Barcelona suffered a defeat in El Clásico against Real Madrid, with coach Hansi Flick choosing Pau Cubarsí and Eric García as the central defensive pair. Ronald Araújo remained unexpectedly on the substitutes' bench.
Former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos expressed that he did not understand Flick's decision to leave out the Uruguayan defender. He believed Araújo’s physical strength and speed would have been more effective against attackers such as Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Junior.
Kroos stated that Araújo is an ideal type of player for a high defensive line, which Barcelona used against Real Madrid. He was surprised that Eric García was preferred instead, although he acknowledged García’s better ball distribution.
The German midfielder also pointed out that Barcelona missed Íñigo Martínez, who he considered the team's best center-back in building attacks last season. According to him, his absence was evident especially under Real Madrid’s intense pressing.
Kroos noted that Barcelona played weakened, missing key players such as Raphinha, Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski. In addition, Flick could not be on the bench due to suspension. Despite these circumstances, there is confidence that the team will continue to improve.
