Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has challenged Marcus Rashford to prove his quality ahead of his return to England on Thursday.
The Spanish champions head to the St James’ Park to face Newcastle United, as both teams battle for victory in their 2025/26 UCL opener.
Rashford joined Barca on loan from Manchester United this summer, but is yet to fully adapt to the demands of the team.
However, he is expected to play a huge role on Thursday, in the absence of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who has been ruled out of the clash.
Speaking ahead of the match, Hansi Flick acknowledged Rashford’s quality and challenged the England international to step up his performances for the team.
“We know Lamine is not playing tomorrow, maybe not on Sunday [against Getafe], but we have a strong team,” Flick said in a news conference on Wednesday”, Flick said.
“Also in this position, we have Marcus Rashford in our team and [he was signed for] if someone from the front maybe cannot play, he can play and he showed it also on Sunday. I hope he can show in England the same performance he did on Sunday [against Valencia].”
Rashford has featured four times for Barca in the league this season, but is yet to open his account despite tallying two starts.
The England international will be buoyed by his record against Newcastle, having netted nine times in previous appearances against them.
“I have followed Marcus since he started at Manchester United,” he said. “I always said the kind of player he is was really unbelievable.
“He has speed, but also in one vs. one situations is really fantastic. And also finishing. What I saw in the first weeks here is really good”, Flick continued.
“He also has more potential he can show us. He wants to do this, of course. For me, it’s great to have him on my team.”
Barcelona’s chance at ending their decade-long European drought continues with the clash against the Magpies on Thursday, hoping to build on last season’s semifinal exit.
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