Flick Commends Rashford’s Impact After UEFA Champions League Double for Barcelona
Barcelona’s head coach Hansi Flick has been observing Marcus Rashford’s development since his early days at Manchester United. When the opportunity arose to bring the English forward on loan this past summer, Flick expressed to sporting director Deco that securing Rashford was essential, describing him as “an outstanding player, exactly what we needed.”
Initially, the plan was to gradually integrate Rashford into the team, allowing him to adapt to life in Spain and become familiar with Flick’s tactics. However, due to a string of injuries within the squad, Rashford has quickly assumed a key role for the La Liga champions.
Having played all 11 matches in various competitions, Rashford joins Pedri, Eric García, and Jules Koundé as the only players to feature in every game thus far. With three goals and four assists, he currently leads Barcelona in goal contributions as the team prepares for a pivotal week ahead.
This upcoming week, Barcelona will face Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, as they aim to recover from their recent defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Following this, Rashford will experience his first El Clásico when Barcelona travels to Real Madrid, sitting just two points outside the top of La Liga.
ESPN spoke to sources within Barcelona’s first team and Rashford regarding his transition to the club, which has seemingly revitalized his career.
Primarily operating on the left, where he prefers, Rashford has also played centrally. Some speculate that his long-term position at the club could be in that central role, given his competition with Raphinha on the left side, especially with veteran Robert Lewandowski’s contract expiring soon.
While he initially struggled to grasp tactical requirements, Rashford is recognized as a quick learner. He has responded well to Flick’s straightforward coaching style, which emphasizes directness. This season, Rashford averages 5.97 successful dribbles per 90 minutes, although Flick hopes to see this number increase. Comparatively, Raphinha averages 3.61, while Yamal leads with a remarkable 13.22 per 90 minutes.
Rashford’s standout moment came during the Champions League match against Newcastle, where he netted two remarkable goals in a 2-1 victory. However, there is a consensus that he could increase his scoring tally, with his only other goal occurring in a 4-1 loss against Sevilla earlier this month.
Opportunities have arisen for Rashford, but he has often been denied by impressive saves or the crossbar. He hit the woodwork with a free kick in Barcelona’s recent 2-1 victory over Girona. His peers endorsed his responsibility for set pieces, which signifies the trust the coaching staff has in him.
Rashford has taken more corners than any other player on the team this season, with 37, reflecting Flick’s confidence in his ability to create goal-scoring chances from set plays.
However, improving his off-ball contributions is a focus area for training. Flick called Rashford’s brace against Newcastle the “first step” and emphasized the importance of intensifying his efforts without the ball.
Rashford has shown notable improvement in his work rate compared to the previous season. During his time with Manchester United and Aston Villa, he averaged 18.9 sprints per game, which has now jumped to 34.9 in the Spanish league. He is also covering more ground, sprinting at speeds above 21 km/h, a significant increase from last season.
Despite progress, Rashford’s metrics still trail behind those of Raphinha, who has excelled in Barcelona’s pressing game this season, averaging 45.3 sprints per 90 minutes.
While the team’s pressing energy hasn’t matched the level from Flick’s inaugural season due to lineup changes caused by injuries, there are positive indicators regarding Rashford. He’s proving to be a threat on the ball and is improving his off-the-ball efforts, though there is still room for growth.
Reflecting on his experience, Rashford commented, “I think it’s been good, it’s been smooth. For sure in the future we will of course improve. My focus is on the pitch, to match well with the team and to improve my individual performance.”
He further expressed the need for intensity as Barcelona strives for success. “I want to win as much as possible, hopefully lift trophies with this club and add to the history that they already have,” he added.
What Lies Ahead for Rashford? Will He Stay Beyond This Season?
Rashford’s future at Barcelona will not hinge solely on his performances against Olympiacos and Real Madrid but will be evaluated throughout the entire season. His contributions in the spring will be crucial as Barcelona aims to contend for major trophies again, building on last season’s success in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Supercopa, despite their Champions League semi-final exit.
The decision regarding Rashford will be influenced by many factors, including his on-field performance, financial considerations, and the upcoming presidential election within the club. Current president Joan Laporta is expected to seek reelection, but competition may arise, with candidates often promising significant signings.
If prospective candidates are pledging substantial funds for new players, it raises questions about the €30 million needed to secure Rashford, especially under Barcelona’s financial constraints.
Despite this, some inside the organization view the fee as a sensible investment. Ultimately, Rashford’s future will depend on his performances and various external factors, including who remains at the helm of the club and what signings are pursued. The loan agreement does not carry a penalty clause if Barcelona opts against signing him.
Deco confirmed, “There’s no penalty clause in the loan agreement if we don’t sign him. We do have an option to make it permanent if we want to. It’s too early to discuss next season’s decisions; for now, we are pleased with him.”
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