Even on the second day after being eliminated from the Champions League, the passions in the Barcelona dressing room are not dying down. The defeat against Paris Saint-Germain (4-1) hurt them a lot, especially because they believed they could reach the semi-finals. They were well on their way to being among the top four in Europe, and then Ronald Araujo ‘tripped’ them and condemned them to defeat with a red card in the first half.Everything started after his send-off. Immediately after the game, Ilkay Gundogan criticized the Uruguayan for his decision to commit a foul in such a risky position, stressing how that moment “killed” them, and two days later the 25-year-old defender answered the German’s comments.Araujo appeared yesterday to promote his new book, and reporters took the opportunity to ask him his opinion on his teammate’s statement.”I prefer to keep to myself what I think about those comments. I have my own codes and values that I think you should respect,” Araujo said.When asked if Gundogan violated those codes and values, Araujo gave a short answer – “I think I already answered that question.”Brutally honest Gundogan: ‘We are to blame for this defeat’Although labeled by many as the main culprit of Barca’s elimination, Araujo did not want to accept responsibility for the relegation from the Champions League which did not go down well with the fans.”The red card? I don’t feel responsible. It affects the game, especially when your team is left with ten players on the pitch, but there are many other things in the context of the game itself besides my sending-off. I’m sad, like all the fans, we wanted to qualify in the semi-finals, we had the situation in our hands… It’s a risky move, 50/50. If it’s a foul, you have to be sent off,” Araujo added.🚨🎥 WATCH: Avoid all fake quotes this exactly what Ronald Araujo said.”Well, I prefer to keep what I think to myself. I think I have unvalued codes (of eithics) that I think need to be respected.” pic.twitter.com/bUvuiQocCD— Bᴀʀᴄ̧ᴀVᴇʀsᴇ (@BarcaVerse_) April 18, 2024 As per usual during his career, Gundogan did not shy away from being realistic in his statements to the press, even if it went to the cost of ruffling some feathers in his own dressing room. He did the same when commenting on the events of the return match that Barcelona lost to Paris Saint-Germain.”It’s hard to say… But in those key situations you have to be sure if you go for the ball. Not sure if he got it or not… But I would definitely allow a one-on-one situation, and even prefer to concede a goal. I say, I don’t know if he got the ball or not, but give your keeper a chance to save that shot. Or even give them a goal. This is the Champions League. Whoever the opponent is, it is impossible to come back with one less player. We are disappointed. We had the game under control until that red card… Getting sent off at such an early stage just kills you… We were in a good situation. Not only because of the first game, but also because we scored the first goal. Everything was in our hands and we let it slip away in the easiest way. We gave this to Paris Saint-Germain. That’s what disappoints me the most,” Gundogan said.##NAJAVA_MECA_8046113##His teammate from the German national team, goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen, agreed with Gundogan, who also believes that Araujo’s exclusion had a decisive effect on the end of the game.”I don’t want to say that it was Araujo’s fault, because he wanted to get to the ball. But if the referee says it’s a foul, then it’s a red card. That moment changed everything,” the Catalan club’s goalkeeper said in the mix zone.
