[SPORT] Frenkie de Jong and Jules Koundé volunteer to play center-back for Hansi Flick after Araújo declares 'indefinite rest'

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Even before the official announcement that Araújo was taking 'indefinite rest' due to mental health issues, there was already concern within the team about the Uruguayan defender. While the red card against Chelsea and the noise afterward were catalysts, this state had actually been a latent problem for the player for several weeks. According to LaTdT on Catalunya Ràdio, several players approached the coach first to express concern amid this anxiety. The conversation with the coach gradually turned into a small gathering where more players joined, and they expressed their willingness to do whatever it takes for the team to cover Araújo's absence.

Flick's message was clear: the best way to help Araújo was for the team to remain competitive and keep winning, sending a signal so he wouldn't rush and could focus entirely on recovery. Players like Koundé, De Jong, and Christensen were involved in this conversation, and notably, Jules Koundé and Frenkie de Jong told the coach they could play center-back if necessary. Flick's reaction to this was very positive, and he reassured the squad, emphasizing that the players' versatility is one of the team's greatest assets.

The German coach is already actively utilizing this strength through several players including Eric, Gerard Martín, De Jong, Raphinha, Ferran, Fermín, Olmo, and Lamine.

For the center-back position, Flick has natural choices like Cubarsí, Eric, and Christensen, as well as alternatives who can play centrally such as Gerard Martín or Koundé.

This conversation left a very good impression on Coach Flick. He viewed it as a moment that confirmed the team's cohesion, which is one of the key elements for success. This impression is also leading to good results, as Barça is currently riding a 7-game winning streak and is in a very favorable position in La Liga. Flick’s Barça has utilized the important home fixture schedule well at Spotify Camp Nou. Flick also seems to have found the defensive safety net he was looking for in the triangle formed by Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, and Eric García.