Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said that he will push Marcus Rashford to reach higher levels. The England international, on loan from Manchester United, netted his first two goals for the club in the 2-1 Champions League victory at Newcastle on Thursday.
Rashford, 27, fell out of favour at Old Trafford last season under coach Ruben Amorim, who publicly doubted his commitment and desire.
“I said it before the match, after the match, I totally believe in his quality, but you always have to work hard, and every day get better,” Flick told a news conference.
“You have to learn… what is necessary, what we need from him, and I will push him 100 percent, and also support him.”
La Liga champion Barcelona faces Getafe on Sunday in the league, but will be without injured winger Lamine Yamal, meaning Rashford is likely to start again.
“With Lamine, we have to wait day-by-day,” said Flick, who also suggested the 18-year-old starlet would not win the Ballon d’Or this year.
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However, the coach said Barcelona would attend the ceremony in Paris on Monday, following Real Madrid’s snub of the gala last season after it found out that Vinicius Junior would not win the award.
Yamal is among the contenders to win the trophy, although the favourite is former Barca winger and current Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele.
“I think one day we will see this, that Lamine gets this trophy,” said Flick. “But in the end, for me it’s like (showing) respect to be there, because we are nominated and we will see.
“Everyone who gets this trophy deserves it, so for me, I just want to enjoy it and show respect also to the winners. This, for me, is crucial.”
Published on Sep 20, 2025
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com