Flick Throws Down the Gauntlet: Rashford Must Step Up as Yamal Sidelined with Injury
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick believes Marcus Rashford possesses "additional potential" to demonstrate for the Catalan club, urging the Manchester United loan signing to elevate his performance during Lamine Yamal's injury layoff.
Flick engaged in disputes with Spanish football federation officials regarding Yamal, who sustained an injury while on international assignment that the Barcelona manager claimed resulted from La Roja's careless handling.
Yamal was absent from the recent Valencia triumph and will continue to be unavailable for Thursday's Champions League encounter at Newcastle United, where Rashford is anticipated to fill his position and look to capitalize on the momentum from his assist contribution in the weekend's 6–0 triumph.
"We understand Lamine won't feature tomorrow, possibly not on Sunday [versus Getafe] either, but we possess a capable squad," Flick stated during his pre-match press briefing.
"In that role, we have Marcus Rashford available and should any attacking player be unavailable, he can step in as he demonstrated on Sunday [against Valencia]. I'm hoping he can replicate in England the same level of performance he delivered on Sunday.
"I've been tracking Marcus since his emergence at Manchester United. I've consistently maintained that his playing style was truly exceptional. He possesses pace, excels in individual duels, and has excellent finishing ability. What I've observed during his initial weeks here has been impressive.
"He still has additional capabilities he can reveal to us. He's eager to achieve this, naturally. For me, having him in my squad is fantastic."
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe knows Rashford well from his Premier League experience, but the Magpies manager expressed regret at missing the opportunity to witness a talent like Yamal compete for Barcelona.
"From my perspective, it's unfortunate he won't be participating," Howe informed reporters. "I'm let down that we won't witness him performing at his peak in this match.
"However, regardless of their lineup, they possess genuine speed on the flanks, that's certain. They have international-caliber players who will test us in various ways, so I believe our collective team display must be exceptionally solid, we must defend effectively in wide positions, and we're anticipating that challenge."