Barcelona's boss acknowledged that Marcus Rashford (29, Barcelona), who had been treated as surplus to requirements at Manchester United (Man Utd), has spectacularly revived on the Spanish stage.
The British Express reported on the 8th (Korea time) that Barcelona coach Hansi Flick (61) said at a news conference ahead of the first leg of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) quarterfinal against Atlético Madrid that "he has fully adapted to the team," and praised Rashford.
Rashford was loaned from Man Utd to Barcelona last summer. Able to play left and right wing as well as up front, he has become a key player this season, recording 11 goals and 13 assists in 40 matches across all competitions.
In particular, Rashford scored the opening goal in the league match against Atlético Madrid on the 4th, leading the team to a 2-1 victory. With this win, Barcelona accumulated 76 points and widened the gap with second-place Real Madrid (69 points).
Based on his performances at Barcelona, Rashford was also called up to the England national team led by coach Thomas Tuchel. He started in the friendly against Uruguay on the 28th of last month and appeared as a substitute in the match against Japan on April 1.
Flick said of Rashford, "He has to defend as well as press with the ball," adding, "He is doing well and has adapted. We are playing Atlético, and they are strong on the wings."
Flick's remarks came just days after he said after the league match with Atlético Madrid that "he is very satisfied with Rashford," increasing the likelihood that Rashford will start in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Atlético.
However, Flick remained tight-lipped about making Rashford's move permanent. Flick said, "We must focus on matches until the end of the season," and declined to comment on whether the club would exercise the £26 million (about 51.7 billion won) permanent transfer option after the season.
Rashford had not played for Man Utd since December 2024. At that time, then-manager Rúben Amorim gave the number 10, which had been Rashford's, to Matheus Cunha.
At the time, Amorim sparked controversy with remarks widely seen as aimed at Rashford, saying, "I would put a 63-year-old goalkeeping coach on the bench over a player who does not give their all."
After a loan to Aston Villa and then settling at Barcelona, Rashford has expressed satisfaction with life in Spain. He also expressed his desire to remain at Barcelona to ESPN at the end of last year.
Asked about his intention to stay, he said, "Of course. This club is really enjoyable. For anyone who loves football, Barcelona is one of the central clubs in football history. It is an honor as a player."
[OSEN]