Barcelona’s head coach Hansi Flick stated on Saturday that he intends to encourage Marcus Rashford, who is currently on loan from Manchester United, to achieve greater heights.
The England international scored his first two goals for the team during the 2-1 Champions League win against Newcastle on Thursday.
Rashford, aged 27, lost his place in the squad at Old Trafford last season under coach Ruben Amorim, who openly questioned his commitment and motivation.
“I mentioned it prior to the match and after the match; I have complete faith in his abilities, but it is essential to work diligently and improve every day,” Flick remarked during a press conference.
“It is important to understand what is required, what we expect from him, and I will support him fully while also pushing him to give his best.”
Champions Barcelona will compete against Getafe on Sunday in La Liga, and they will be without the injured winger Lamine Yamal, which means Rashford is expected to start once more.
“With Lamine, we need to take it day by day,” Flick noted, also indicating that the 18-year-old prodigy is unlikely to win the Ballon d’Or this year.
Nevertheless, the coach confirmed that Barcelona would participate in the ceremony in Paris on Monday, following Real Madrid’s decision to skip the event last season after learning that Vinicius Junior would not be awarded the title of the world’s best player.
Yamal is among the nominees for the award, although the frontrunner is former Barcelona winger and current Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele.
“I believe that one day we will witness Lamine receiving this award,” Flick expressed.
“Ultimately, for me, it is about showing respect by being present, as we are nominated, and we will see what happens.
“Everyone who receives this award is deserving of it, so I simply wish to enjoy the occasion and show respect to the winners as well. This is crucial for me.
