Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has told the press that he hopes Ronald Araujo signs a new contract with the club, amid further speculation over his future. The Uruguayan defender is said to have been persuaded not to leave by a bid from Juventus, but the Bianconeri have returned with an improved bid for Barcelona.
Flick told the press the same thing he did on Wednesday, when asked if it was important not to weaken the team with the loss of Araujo.
“As I said, he still has a year and a half left on his contract, and I hope for the club, for the team, for me, and maybe after that I hope he signs a new contract. You can see in training and on the pitch that he is different. He is certainly one of the best defenders, he has a lot of potential and can play better.”
Flick also refused to be drawn into signing talks, with Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford also heavily linked with Barcelona in recent times.
“I am happy with the players. We only eliminated three players, Inigo, Marc Bernal and Marc-Andre ter Stegen. We have worked very well with the medical staff and fitness coaches, Andreas Christensen will be back tomorrow, so that is good news. It is Deco's job, but I am happy with the team.”
The Barcelona manager was also asked about the controversial non-penalty decision during Celta Vigo's 5-2 defeat to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey, and whether he wanted to face Los Blancos in the quarter-finals.
“We have no wishes for the cup, because you cannot change it. And the match… I saw it and I have nothing to say about it.”
The draw for the Copa del Rey will take place on Monday, with all the big three remaining in the competition. Barcelona will take on Getafe at the Coliseum on Saturday evening at 9pm CEST as they look to close the gap to the Madrilenians at the top of the table.
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