Flick reveals why he played Araujo as a '9' and explains his celebration in the Barça-Girona match

FC Barcelona secured a hard-fought victory in Montjuïc against Girona (2-1) thanks to a superb goal from Ronald Araujo in the 90+3 minute. The Uruguayan responded to the confidence of Hansi Flick, who, due to multiple injury absences, opted for the defender as a '9' in the final stretch of the match.

The plan, although risky, made sense to try to take advantage of the captain's aerial strength. However, the '4's goal came with a remarkable finish, anticipating the Girona center-backs to shoot with a sliding, first-time effort from a cross by Frenkie de Jong reaching the end line.

In the post-match press conference, the manager revealed his reasons for betting on Araujo as a forward. In addition, he was happy with the response from the 'charrúa', who started as a substitute again on matchday 9 of LaLiga.

"I'm very happy for Araujo. His attitude whenever he plays, what he gives for this club and this team. He can play in that position at certain times. I asked him before he went out if he could play there and he said yes."

Flick opens up about his controversial celebration in the Barça-Girona match 

Barça loses Hansi Flick for the Clásico: Gil Manzano sent off the manager against Girona

Flick also explained how he experienced the final moments of the Barça-Girona match. The coach was sent off for a gesture towards Jesús Gil Manzano after the added time (4 minutes) was confirmed, and he will not be able to lead the Clásico against Real Madrid on October 26.

After the sending off, Flick remained at the tunnel entrance, very close to the Barça bench, and when Araujo's goal occurred, he made several obscene gestures to celebrate the Azulgrana's winning goal. A gesture, this last one, that the coach avoided attributing to anyone in particular in the face of a possible more rigorous sanction.

"Football is emotions, it's tension. The gestures weren't for anyone, it was just a celebration"

In that regard, he made it clear that, while he did not understand Gil Manzano's decision to send him off, he respects it. "I do not do and will not do anything against anyone. I accept the referee's decision. (The finger) was not directed at him. I applauded so that the team would react."

Managing Changes and the Importance of Victory Against Girona

On the other hand, Hansi Flick argued the decision to replace Pedri and Lamine Yamal in the 63rd minute. The change of the '10', returning from injury, was expected (Roony Bardghji took his place), while the midfielder was also coming off two games with Spain.

"They had both been playing for many minutes and I need them fresh for the upcoming matches. We have to manage the minutes, for example, of Pedri. The important thing is to win and we have done it," explained the manager. Similarly, he highlighted Barça's reaction in the second half, although he admits that the team still isn't playing its best game.

"These are three very important points for confidence in the future and in the upcoming matches. I am very happy for the team." Barcelona will return to action next Tuesday the 21st, in the Champions League, against Olympiacos again in Montjuïc. After that, they have to visit Real Madrid for matchday 10 of La Liga.

"We haven't played our best football. But we scored, and the victory gives us confidence."

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