Ronald Araujo: 'There is a lot at stake for everyone'
Barça B will welcome back an important figure for Thursday's second round promotion play off for a place in the Second Division A against Badajoz in the form of centre back Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan has recently been part of the first team set up but on Tuesday headed off to Marbella to join his team mates and prepare for this week's vital clash.
The defender spoke to Barça TV ahead of the play off game against Badajoz and made clear his delight at the victory in the first round over Valladolid Promesas and at the fact that he will be involved on Thursday as BArça B chase the objective they set themselves at the start of the season: promotion to the Second Division A.
How did you follow the first game?
As soon as the game against Alavés with the first team finished Ansu and I got the Barça B game on the iPad. We watched the opening minutes and then the last few minutes as we had to get a flight but we were following everything and we were really happy.
Even though you were with the first team, I imagine you wanted to be involved in the play off too?
Yes, I really wanted to be here. It's the culmination of the season's work. We set ourselves the objective of getting to the play off and promotion. We have two matches left to do it and we have to give it everything to win them.
How are you going into Thursday's game against Badajoz?
It's a vital match. We have to win it to play again on Sunday. We have to be really motivated, focused as they are games that are often decided by the smallest of margins and we have to be switched on for 90 minutes to be able to win.
Obviously, it's not just another league game...
No, not at tall. It's a game that if you lose, you are out of it. It's important because if we don't win and get promoted then it could mean the group of players who have been together for a long time breaking up. There is a lot at stake on a personal level, for the team and for the club so it's game that brings a lot of responsibility.
It's a group of players who won the UEFA Youth League together and you arrived later; would it be the icing on the cake to get promoted?
Yes, of course. It's a great group who have been together a while., Promotion now is the big objective, it would be the best thing and we are going for it.
Badajoz knocked out Las Palmas and Eibar in the Copa del Rey this season. Does that give you extra motivation?
Obviously it's a motivating factor to played against a good side who are winning. We have to be focused and really go for it in this game.
On a personal level, do you think you are impressing more and more people?
I train how I play. The truth is that since I arrived at the Club I have worked hard to play for Barça B and to have a chance with the first team and thanks to God I have had that. I hope to contribute all I can to the club and I am happy to have people's support.
What is football to you?
I am very passionate about football, it's my life and it's always with me as I train and play with that energy.
How would you sum up your two seasons at the Club?
They have been two great years, even better than I imagined. I have had a lot of opportunities. First, to settle into the Barça B team, playing as much as possible and then the chance to make my debut for the first team and be part of it, training and playing. I think that it is important that I enjoy every day and I try to keep learning because I pick up things from the first team players and the coaches. Now it is time to enjoy it and keep going.