Barcelona captains request urgent meeting with Hansi Flick

Earlier today, FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick faced the media as part of his pre-match press conference ahead of their Spanish Super Cup match against Real Madrid on Sunday.

During the press conference, a surprising moment unfolded as the Barça head coach was informed by staff member Arnau Blanco that two of his captains, Raphinha and Ronald Araujo, were seeking an urgent meeting with him.

Indeed as per MARCA, upon receiving a text, Blanco told Flick in between the press conference: “Coach, Araujo and Raphinha want to speak with you.”

The German manager, in the middle of dissecting the upcoming clash, found himself confronted with an immediate demand for a meeting from the two team captains.

Interestingly, this came right after Flick had diplomatically addressed Araujo’s situation, with the 25-year-old being strongly linked with a departure this month.

“There have always been rumours since I’ve been here. We have to be professional. Ronald is coming back from a tough injury and we have to look after him. He is back and he is very professional.” Flick stated.

“It’s not my job to talk about it, but I want him in my team. He is one of the best defenders.”

While Flick attempted to downplay the rumours, the urgency of the meeting requested by Araujo might suggest otherwise. The involvement of Raphinha, Araujo’s closest friend in the squad and a co-captain, further heightened the intrigue.

A busy day for Flick

The day before the final was a whirlwind for Flick. After the press conference and a photo session with Carlo Ancelotti, he faced an afternoon training session filled with critical decisions.

In between these tasks, Flick had to navigate several high-stakes meetings, including discussions surrounding Araujo.

It was not only Araujo and Raphinha seeking an audience with the coach. Pini Zahavi, Flick’s agent, and close confidant of Barcelona president Joan Laporta, also requested a meeting with the German manager.

At the start of 2025, Flick already dealt with the ‘Dani Olmo case,’ and now he faces the uncertainty surrounding Araujo.

The defender’s contract expires in 2026, and he has yet to accept Barcelona’s renewal offer. Plagued by injuries and removed from the starting lineup, Araujo is considering his future.

Juventus have been actively pursuing the player, making a compelling case for a transfer, even as Araujo contemplates his future at Barcelona.