Hansi Flick Unveils the Secret Behind Marcus Rashford's Explosive Revival
Hansi Flick credits Marcus Rashford's remarkable Barcelona form to his willingness to relocate to a different nation and immerse himself in a new cultural environment.
The striker finally secured his coveted transfer to Barcelona during the summer window, arriving at the Catalan club via a loan arrangement from Manchester United, and has delivered an outstanding introduction to his Spanish adventure.
With six strikes and seven assists across 16 matches, he has already matched his total goal contributions from the complete 2023–24 campaign, while his Barcelona performances have also secured the 28-year-old consistent England call-ups under Thomas Tuchel's management.
Despite joining an already talent-rich attacking unit featuring Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, Rashford has demonstrated his value to Flick, who remains thrilled with the loan signing's contributions.
Ahead of Barça's Champions League encounter with Chelsea on Tuesday, Flick commented: "I'm genuinely delighted. He recovered from illness, but he's fine now. We'll determine [on Tuesday] whether he gets the starting nod. But I'm pleased to have him in our squad.
"I've monitored his entire career, I was struck by his ability, what he accomplishes in the penalty area near the opposition's goal. He has demonstrated this at Barcelona.
"Additionally, for him this transition to experience a different culture, with wonderful people, pleasant climate, it's incredible. We can observe now he's also grinning frequently. If he can appreciate the environment we have it's equally beneficial."
Rashford Playing Himself Into World Cup Contention
Rashford has made regular journeys back to England this campaign to link up with Tuchel's Three Lions squad, but Tuesday's match against Chelsea provides him the chance to make a statement while wearing Barcelona's jersey.
The adaptable attacker has already traveled to England once with Barça this season, playing a key role in the club's 2–1 triumph over Newcastle United at St James' Park in the Champions League. Rashford found the net twice during that encounter, including a spectacular effort, to clinch victory for the Spanish giants.
Whether Rashford can deliver a comparable performance at Stamford Bridge is yet to be determined, but Chelsea represents one of his preferred adversaries.
Against only four teams has Rashford netted more than the six goals he's scored versus the Blues, and no other opponent has seen him provide more assists (5). Four of his goal involvements against Chelsea have occurred at Stamford Bridge.