Julian Araujo talks Barcelona, Las Palmas, future plans: “I plan to return”

Barcelona loanee Julian Araujo has said that he completely understands why he was sent to Las Palmas and that he plans to return to his parent club once his spell with Garcia Pimienta’s team expires at the end of the season.

In an interview with Mirror Football, the 22-year-old explained how and why he moved to Las Palmas and how this loan move is going to affect his Barcelona career.

It is to be noted that Las Palmas coach, Pimienta, personifies the distinctive playing approach of the Blaugrana. 

With a coaching tenure spanning 15 years at the club, he not only served as the Barcelona B team manager for a significant period but also steered their youth squad to victory in the UEFA Youth League after successfully overseeing 100 games in that role

“I met with the coach and the club directors before coming here, it was important for me to choose the right club stylistically,” Araujo explained.

“There are similarities with Barcelona and their [Las Palmas] approach was one that caught my attention. 

“There is a big focus on playing the ball out from the back, on retaining possession, having patience but also being able to transition from defence into attack.

“We are not afraid of any opponents, we will not change our philosophy or how we approach the games because we have belief in what we are doing. 

“We will stick to our values and our playing style, even if we are playing clubs like Barcelona or Real Madrid,” he added.

Future plan and initial frustration 

Despite Araujo experiencing a significant lack of consistent playing time for the majority of this calendar year at Barcelona, he has seamlessly incorporated into the dynamics of Las Palmas. 

Speaking about it, he asserted that his skills have enhanced since his move.

“I plan to return to Barcelona after this loan spell, but this move was always designed to help me not only improve as a player but also adjust to the league and the style of play.”

“Even though I was not playing, that was a time which I enjoyed a lot and learnt a lot too because I was training with some of the best players in the world.

“Obviously, there is an element of frustration at not being able to play but I was living in a moment and living my dream,” he added.

Araujo was happy at Barcelona

The 22-year-old has been a regular fixture for the Las Palmas team this season, having made 10 appearances in La Liga, which includes as many as six starts.

However, his time at Barcelona was tough, but he explained that he still learned a lot at the club.

“Barcelona is an amazing environment to improve as a player, I love to learn and take in information. I was very happy to be part of the squad and that seven months was among the best in my life to absorb all that. 

“But yes, it is important to be playing regularly at a club at the top level. There is a lot of ambition at this club and this is a really strong, competitive group.”

A majority of Araujo’s tenure has been in the Major Soccer League so a comparison was bound to be made.

“Technically the players here are a lot better and the key thing is that they think a lot faster. Now you have to think before you receive the ball more on what you are going to do, where your teammates are and what position your opponent is in. 

“I can feel that I have improved a lot in that sense and that my game has developed. I think that right now I’m fully at my top physical level, but technically I can still improve.”

It must be noted that Araujo has been turning heads at Las Palmas, and he is aware of the potential opening for the right-back position at Barcelona in the upcoming season. 

Although Joao Cancelo has showcased his skills for Xavi’s team this season, his loan agreement concludes at the campaign’s end, and Jules Kounde favours a central defensive role. 

So if Cancelo’s move does not work out, Barcelona can count on Araujo’s La Liga experience next season.