Lewandowski and His Teammates Firmly Demand Hansi Flick to Immediately Drop Barcelona’s Catastrophic Star from the Starting Lineup!

Barcelona may have secured their spot in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, but the road to qualification raised more questions than it answered. Despite a commanding 4-0 first-leg win, their 3-1 defeat against Borussia Dortmund in the second leg exposed serious flaws within the squad — and the fallout in the dressing room has been intense.

The return leg at Signal Iduna Park served as a wake-up call. Borussia Dortmund, with their intensity and tactical discipline, dominated large portions of the match. While Hansi Flick’s men progressed on aggregate, their performance in Germany left a bitter taste among fans, pundits, and most crucially, within the squad itself.

According to reports from the Spanish outlet El Nacional, Uruguayan defender Ronald Araújo has become the focal point of criticism. Once considered untouchable, Araújo’s recent form has sparked major concerns. His sluggish decision-making, weak duels, and lack of awareness in positioning were glaring throughout the second leg, prompting internal doubts over his reliability in big matches.

Several senior players, including Robert Lewandowski, have reportedly voiced their frustration directly to coach Hansi Flick. Their message was blunt: Araújo can no longer be trusted as a starting center-back in crucial matches. The squad’s sentiment is that the time has come for a change at the heart of defense.

The preferred pairing now appears to be the combination of Íñigo Martínez and rising star Pau Cubarsí. Their chemistry on the pitch, along with a more composed approach to defensive buildup and transitions, has caught the eye of both Flick and the rest of the team. In contrast, Araújo’s inability to adapt or forge similar partnerships this season is seen as a major liability.

Nobody doubts Araújo’s work ethic or dedication to the club. He is well-liked within the squad and commands respect off the pitch. However, respect and reputation alone cannot guarantee a starting role in a team that’s aiming to conquer Europe. The margin for error is simply too slim at this stage of the competition.

Hansi Flick, aware of the growing pressure, has already hinted at tactical adjustments and potential lineup changes in his post-match comments. While he didn’t directly name players, his remarks were interpreted as a signal that some roles are under review.

The consensus in the dressing room is now impossible to ignore. Araújo’s time as an automatic starter may be over, at least for the remainder of this European campaign. His performances have not matched the required standard, and the cost of persisting with him could be another embarrassing defeat — one that might end their Champions League dream entirely.

This is not a personal attack, and sources insist the mood among the players remains professional. However, the desire to win takes precedence over loyalty or sentiment. In elite football, decisions must be made ruthlessly, and the players expect Flick to act decisively.

For now, the coach faces a tough decision. Loyalty to one of his previously key defenders or trust in the players advocating for change? The coming weeks will reveal Flick’s stance — and whether he’s willing to take bold steps to fix a visibly unstable defense.

Araújo still has time to turn things around, but the pressure is immense. Training sessions will be closely monitored, and with every tactical drill, Flick will be assessing whether the Uruguayan can recover in time to regain the trust of his coach and teammates.

Should Flick stick with the trusted but faltering figure, or ride the momentum of the Martinez–Cubarsí duo? The answer may define how far Barcelona go in this year’s Champions League — and whether Flick can maintain unity within a squad already demanding accountability.

This episode highlights a larger issue within the club: the need for consistent performance over reputation. With the stakes higher than ever, Barcelona cannot afford to carry passengers — not even those once seen as indispensable.

If Araújo is dropped in the next starting lineup, it will be a clear statement from Flick that no one is above scrutiny, and that the club’s ambitions come first. For Barcelona, the mission is clear — fix the cracks, or risk collapse when it matters most.