'LUCHO' ALSO TALKED ABOUT XAVI HERNÁNDEZ
Luis Enrique exposed Ronald Araújo's main weak point: "He is the one who has the most problems..."
Published:14/10/2024 - 17:15h
Updated:14/10/2024 - 17:17h
Luis Enrique, faithful to his direct style, talks about what, in his opinion, is Ronald Araújo's greatest weakness as a defender. Furthermore, he did not hesitate to talk about Xavi Hernández
Luis Enrique has once again been in the spotlight on a topic related to FC Barcelona. On this occasion, the Asturian coach has stood out again for a statement made in his documentary titled "You guys have no f***ing idea", broadcast on Movistar+, where he reveals insights into his professional work with Paris Saint-Germain and some aspects of his personal life.
This time, he highlighted a statement that emerged during the first-leg match of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals between the Parisian team and Barcelona (2-3). Specifically, during halftime, Luis Enrique urged his players to exploit a weakness in the Blaugrana defense... What was this weakness? None other than Uruguayan defender Ronald Araújo.
Luis Enrique and Ronald Araújo's Major Weakness
In 'Lucho's' halftime remarks during that match, it is evident that he did not doubt the defensive prowess of Barcelona's '4'. Rather, the Gijón coach was calling for exploiting an aspect that has always been considered one of the Uruguayan's weaknesses, although he has improved over time: his ability to play out from the back.
"Araújo is a top player, but he has the most trouble with playing out from the back. Every time he gets the ball, we cut off a passing lane and we are in," concluded the Asturian coach.
Interestingly, Ronald Araújo ended up being decisive in the tie, but not precisely due to the action suggested by Luis Enrique, but rather for a foul he committed on Bradley Barcola in the 29th minute of the second-leg match in the quarter-finals between FC Barcelona and PSG (1-4). This action led to his expulsion, leaving the Cules with a player down and possibly becoming the central figure in what turned into a complete disaster for Xavi Hernández's side at home, losing 4-1, with goals from Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Vitinha.
Criticisms of Xavi Hernández's Barcelona
On another note, Luis Enrique also made statements that some interpreted as criticisms of former Barcelona coach, Xavi Hernández. "Xavi's Barcelona is not good defensively, they are not dominant," "they wouldn't have beaten us even with eleven or twelve players," or "in Paris, Ter Stegen set a record for long balls. He sent 24. If you are pro-Xavi, you talk about the third man, a regular analyst tells the truth: 'they play like Eibar'."
