‘I‘m happy Rashford is here‘

Talent was always there. There is not a single coach or TV pundit who ever questioned Marcus Rashford‘s talent either with Manchester United, either at Barcelona. But his attitude was his biggest problem. As with other footballers, mindset is sometimes crucial for a player and Rashford struggled with that in United. Some say it was not the player but rather toxic atmosphere at Old Trafford, while others think it‘s the player himself. Whatever the reason, his resurrection came in Spain. After arriving in Barcelona on a loan, Rashford looks like the talented boy he was in Manchester many years ago. And Hansi Flick likes it.

The Barcelona boss spoke in glowing terms about the Englishman ahead of Osasuna game, and especially mentioned his mentality against Frankfurt in the Champions League.

“I speak with the players who aren't playing and tell them why, and what he said to me the last day against Frankfurt..He said: 'You don't have to tell me this. It's only about the team. We have to win the three points and nothing else. It's what important'. It's the right attitude and you can see his mentality. He's here and I'm really happy that he's here“ Flick revealed.

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The German prefers Raphinha and Ferran Torres on the left and Robert Lewandowski up the front, but Rashford came in as a sub and assisted with the first goal in Barca‘s turnaround (2-1). Since coming to Camp Nou, he had 17 goal contributions (six goals and 11 assists) across 21 appearances in all competitions and could be even considered as a permanent solution for Barcelona come May 2026.

“When he's on the bench it also shows that we have an excellent team. In this position we have excellent players, it's like that but what I can say is that he's an absolute professional player. His atttitude and his mentality is great. I think in the beginning he had to adapt a little bit, but now he's at his best level“ said Flick.

LA LIGA ROUND 16

Friday

Sociedad - Girona 1-2 (1-0)

/Guedes 35 - Tsygankov 76, 84/

Saturday

16.00: (1.33) Atl.Madrid (5.40) Valencia (11.0)

18.15: (2.45) Mallorca (3.15) Elche (3.30)

20.30: (1.20) Barcelona (8.00) Osasuna (14.0)

23.00: (2.60) Getafe (2.90) Espanyol (3.35)

Sunday

16.00: (1.90) Sevilla (3.35) Oviedo (4.75)

18.15: (2.75) Celta (3.20) Ath.Bilbao (2.85)

20.30: (4.50) Levante (4.20) Villareal (1.75)

23.00: (5.30) Alaves (3.60) Real Madrid (1.70)

Monday

23.00: (2.60) Rayo Vallecano (3.50) Betis (2.80)

* odds are subject to change