Hansi Flick said Barcelona will continue to support Ronald Araujo after the defender scored against Albacete in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, early morning WIB.
It was his first start for the club since returning from a break due to mental health issues.
Araujo scored Barcelona's second goal through a header as they secured a 2-1 victory over the Segunda Division team, who knocked out Real Madrid in the previous round, to secure their place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
"For him, it's step by step, that's the most important thing. He also scored a very important goal for us tonight."
"I think it can help him gain more confidence, more belief in himself. This is what we need and what he needs."
"We support him and we help him. He's fine. Of course, in the end you see he's also exhausted, but that's how it is," Flick said in a post-match press conference about Araujo's progress since returning to training last month.
Araujo requested leave to deal with his mental health problems at the end of November 2025. During his break from the game, he visited spiritual places in Jerusalem and Bethlehem and returned to his home country, Uruguay.
Since returning to training in January 2026, he has made four substitute appearances for Barcelona, but his first start of the year was against Albacete.
As a form of appreciation for Flick's support during his difficult time personally, he ran to the bench after scoring against Albacete to hug his manager.
"I'm very happy. The goal I dedicated to God, but I also signaled to my wife and then hugged (Flick). He has made sure I'm back in good shape."
"I am grateful for the support I have received from the coach and my teammates. I feel better over time," Araujo said as reported by ESPN.
Araujo's goal seemed to have secured a comfortable victory for Barcelona after Lamine Yamal's opener, but Javi Moreno's late header made the end of the game uncomfortable for the LaLiga leaders.
Gerard Martin's header that saved Barcelona's goal made the match not go to extra time. Even so, Flick once again regretted his team's finishing, as was the case after last weekend's victory at Elche's home.
"It was a difficult game at the end, really tough. We could have made it a lot easier because we controlled the game in the first half and most of the second half."
"We created a lot of chances. We have to finish chances better, with more confidence. In the end the game was tight, but we deserved this."
"We have played on Wednesday, Saturday, and now Tuesday (local time). I am proud of the team's fight. You have to win the cup game and we have done it. We are in the semifinals," said Flick.
Meanwhile, Barcelona will host Mallorca in LaLiga on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
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