Andoni Iraola has publicly urged AFC Bournemouth’s Julián Araujo to keep pushing and not give up.
Fox Sports had a chat with the Cherries manager about the left-back’s situation and AS in Mexico have relayed his comments.
It’s claimed the Mexico international has become a ‘forgotten player’ at Bournemouth. AS say the team no longer needs him taking their results this season into account.
Bournemouth have 14 points from seven games and are currently fourth in the table. The right-back started in his side’s 2-0 defeat to Brentford in the EFL Cup, which has been his only appearance this season.
Iraola has left the 24-year-old out of his squad for the Cherries’ last three league games. On summer deadline day, Bournemouth signed Álex Jiménez on loan from AC Milan.
Iraola started with Adam Smith as the right-back and then used James Hill and Jiménez.
Last Monday, we covered claims from Mexico about Araujo’s ‘strange disappearance’ from Bournemouth. It was reported he’s unlikely to feature for the Premier League club again and could leave them in January.
Iraola has now admitted it’s difficult for him manage Araujo’s situation.
“It’s also a difficult situation for me with Julián,” he said.
“In the end, Álex Jiménez arrived, who’s in his position, and for the bench, I’m prioritising other types of players like James Hill, who, in addition to covering the right back position, can perform more tasks.
“Araujo has to keep pushing; we know him well at the club. I encourage him not to give up because his time will come, and I’m confident it will because he’s also a good guy, a hard worker, and I’m sure he’ll maintain his level.”
