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Araujo's response to Gundogan hints at divisions in Barca dressing room

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, April 18, 2024
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MADRID, April 18 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo made it clear on Thursday that there is serious disagreement between players in the club's dressing room following Tuesday's 4-1 defeat at home to Paris Saint-Germain that sent them crashing out of the Champions League.

Araujo was sent off in the 28th minute of the game after bringing down PSG forward Bradley Barcola, leaving his team to play for over an hour with 10 men.

Speaking after the game, midfielder Ilklay Gundogan publicly criticized Araujo's challenge, saying, "this is the Champions League, it doesn't matter who the rival is, you can't get back into it if one of your players gets sent off. We felt we had things under control before the red card."

Gundogan looked at Araujo's challenge from behind, with few options of getting the ball adding "if it's a foul then it's a red card, but in those vital moments, you have to be certain you are going to get the ball."

"I'd rather concede a goal, because with a player less so early in the game, that kills you," added the German, who last season won a domestic and European treble with Manchester City.

Defender Jules Kounde responded to Gundogan's comments, saying that Barcelona had to both win and lose as a team and at a book presentation in the city on Thursday, and Araujo was also asked about the midfielder's words.

"I'd rather keep what I think to myself," said the defender. "There are values and codes in the dressing room, that I think you have to stick to," he added.

Araujo's comments point to a clear division in the dressing room, just four days before Barcelona play away to Real Madrid in the Santiago Bernabeu. Xavi Hernandez's side are eight points behind Real Madrid and a defeat would end their slim title hopes, but playing Real Madrid when a team isn't united is usually a recipe for disaster. Enditem

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