Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has backed Marcus Rashford to seize his opportunity when the Spanish champions begin their UEFA Champions League campaign away to Newcastle on Thursday.
With 18-year-old star Lamine Yamal sidelined by a groin injury, Flick believes Rashford can step up and make a decisive impact during his loan spell at the Camp Nou.
“I have really followed Marcus since he started at Manchester, and I always said, ‘Wow! What kind of player he is, unbelievable,” Flick said. “He has speed in one-against-one situations, he’s fantastic, and his finishing is unbelievable. What I’ve seen in the first weeks here is really good, and he has more potential to show us.”
Rashford is aiming to revive his career in Spain after losing his place under Erik ten Hag’s successor, Ruben Amorim, at Manchester United. He has yet to score for Barcelona but assisted Raphinha in Sunday’s 6-0 demolition of Valencia, and also netted for England in last week’s 5-0 win over Serbia.
Flick added, “Of course, Marcus wants to prove himself. For me, it’s great to have him in my team.”
Barcelona, who lost last season’s dramatic semi-final to Inter Milan 7-6 on aggregate, have not lifted the Champions League trophy in a decade. Alongside Yamal, Alejandro Balde and Gavi will also miss the trip to St James’ Park through injury.
