Hansi Flick mentioned Barcelona will proceed to assist Ronald Araújo after the defender netted in opposition to Albacete within the Copa del Rey on Tuesday in his first begin for the membership since getting back from a psychological well being break
Araújo headed dwelling Barça’s second aim as they secured a 2-1 win on the second division aspect, which knocked Actual Madrid out within the earlier spherical, to guide their place within the semifinal.
“For him, it is step-by-step, that is crucial factor,” Flick mentioned within the publish recreation information convention about Araújo’s progress since returning to coaching final month. “He scored additionally an important aim for us tonight. I believe it might assist him to get extra confidence, to imagine in himself extra. That is what we want and what he wants.
“We assist him and we assist him. He is doing good. After all, on the finish you noticed he is additionally exhausted, however it’s like that.”
Araújo requested time without work to take care of psychological well being points on the finish of November. Throughout his time away from the sport, he visited non secular websites in Jerusalem and Bethlehem and went again to his native Uruguay.
Since returning to coaching in January, he had made 4 substitute appearances for Barça, however Tuesday’s begin was his first of the 12 months.
In acknowledgement of Flick’s assist throughout what has been a troublesome interval personally, he ran to the bench after scoring in opposition to Albacete to embrace his supervisor.
“I’m actually blissful,” Araújo informed reporters after the sport. “The aim is devoted to God, however I additionally made a gesture to my spouse after which went to hug [Flick] — he has ensured I’ve come again properly.
“I’m grateful for the assist I’ve obtained from the coach and my teammates. I’m feeling higher on a regular basis.”
Araújo’s aim seemed to have sealed a snug win for Barça after Lamine Yamal‘s opener, however a late Javi Moreno header arrange an uncomfortable finale for the LaLiga leaders.
It took a Gerard Martín header off the road to make sure Albacete didn’t take the tie to further time, leaving Flick as soon as once more lamenting his staff’s ending, as was additionally the case after Saturday’s win at Elche.
“It was a troublesome match on the finish, actually exhausting,” Flick added. “We might have made it a lot simpler as a result of we had management within the first half and for big elements of the second.
“We create loads of possibilities. We’ve got to complete a lot better, with extra conviction. On the finish it was tight, however we deserved this.
“We’ve got performed Wednesday, Saturday and now Tuesday. I’m pleased with the struggle from the staff. It’s important to win cup video games and we did. We’re within the semifinal.”
Barcelona host Mallorca in LaLiga on Saturday.
