Araujo Responds to Gundogan’s Criticism After Barcelona Exit
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo offered a curt response to teammate Ilkay Gundogan’s criticism following the team’s Champions League exit.
Araujo Prefers to Keep Thoughts Private
Gundogan had blamed Araujo’s red card for turning the tide of the match against PSG as reported by Sports Buddy. When asked about Gundogan’s comments, Araujo stated he preferred to keep his thoughts private.
“I prefer to keep to myself what I think about Gundogan’s statements,” Araujo told reporters at a Barcelona Foundation charity event. “I have codes and values that must be respected.”
He further avoided elaborating on whether Gundogan lacked these values himself.
Araujo Defends Himself on Red Card
Araujo also disagreed with the notion that he was solely responsible for the red card.
“Responsible, responsible, no,” he added. “Obviously it conditions the game because we were left with ten, (but) then there are many things about the game itself.”
This isn’t the first time Gundogan has publicly criticized his teammates. He previously called them out after a loss to Real Madrid in October.
Gundogan’s Wife Defends Her Husband
Gundogan’s wife, Sara, defended her husband on social media. She shared a post praising his “Treble winning mentality.”
“This man is a working hard guy and his football opinions are about improving and he is giving everything to this team,” Sara wrote on her Instagram story. “His mentality is a treble mentality.”
Barcelona Focuses on La Liga
Barcelona has limited time to dwell on their Champions League exit as they return to La Liga action.
Araujo acknowledged the team’s disappointment but vowed to fight for the La Liga title.
“We are very sorry,” Araujo said of the defeat. “Obviously, we are all sad, the children, the families. But this is football, there is always revenge. We are going to try again next season. I am convinced that this generation is going to win the Champions League.
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“(This season) we have mathematical options (in the league) and we have to fight until the end. If we win on Sunday, we will cut points and fight for LaLiga, which is the tournament we have left. We have a chance at revenge. Madrid is our biggest rival and we have to change our mentality. We will give everything on Sunday.”
