Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says Marcus Rashford is “smiling again” and flourishing in Spain after joining the club on loan from Manchester United.
Rashford, 28, has recovered from the flu that kept him out of Barca’s 4–0 win over Athletic Bilbao and is available for Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Four of his six Barcelona goals so far have come in Europe, including one during their previous trip to England against Newcastle.
Flick believes the change of environment — and the sunny weather — has helped revive Rashford’s career after a difficult final period at Old Trafford.
“I’ve followed him his whole career and I’m impressed by what he can do in the box,” Flick said.
“The change, the new football, the good weather… he’s always smiling. It’s very good for him.”
Both Barcelona and Chelsea sit on seven points in the race for direct qualification to the last 16.
Flick also welcomed the return of Raphinha, who played for the first time in nearly two months on Saturday. The coach said the Brazilian will be eased back carefully after suffering the same injury twice but praised his immediate impact.
“His dynamism creates spaces. I’m very happy to have him back,” Flick said.
