Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is looking to former Manchester United star Marcus Rashford to lead the line for the Catalans as they kick off their Champions League campaign against Newcastle on Thursday. The move comes as teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is sidelined with a hip injury.
Flick spoke highly of the English forward, who provided an assist in Barcelona’s dominant 6-0 win over Valencia on Sunday. “I really follow Marcus since he started with Manchester United. And I always said, ‘Wow! What a player he is!'” Flick told reporters at a press conference on Wednesday. “He has speed, but also, in one-against-one situations, it’s really fantastic. And also finishing, it’s unbelievable.”
Yamal, who has started the season in strong form, will miss the clash with Newcastle and is also doubtful for Sunday’s LaLiga match against Getafe. The 17-year-old’s absence, along with that of Alejandro Balde, Gavi, and long-term absentee Marc-Andre ter Stegen, provides an opportunity for others to step up.
“We all know that Lamine is not playing against Newcastle, maybe not on Sunday,” Flick added. “But at the end, we have a strong team, and in his position, we have Marcus Rashford. If someone up front cannot play, he can step up and play like he showed on Sunday against Valencia.”
Flick remains confident in his team’s ability to compete for the title, despite facing stiff competition. He stated that what he’s seen so far has been “very positive” and that the team’s confidence will be key heading into the match. The German coach hopes Rashford’s performance against Valencia is a sign of things to come as Barcelona begins its pursuit of European glory.
