Marcus Rashford Has the Right Mentality for Barcelona Success

Hansi Flick looks as relaxed as seeing the mentality of Manchester United's loan player, Marcus Rashford. After losing his place in the Blaugrana's first team, the English striker showed the right reaction and attitude, which according to the manager, is right for success at the club.

The 28-year-old returned to the starting lineup in a 5-3 win over Real Betis last weekend after missing four games.

However, he was again left out of the starting line-up for the 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League in midweek.

Flick was then impressed with Rashford's response after his name was included in the list of substitutes for the match against Eintracht. The English striker then contributed when he entered in the second half, creating the equalizer for Jules Kounde in the victory.

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"When he's on the bench, it also shows that we have a good team. In this position, we have great players."

"All I can say is that he is a really professional player. His attitude and mentality are amazing. At first, he had to adapt a little, but now he is at his best level."

"I speak to the players when they are not playing, explain the reasons. What he (Rashford) told me a few days ago that he felt he did not need to be told about this (reasons for not playing)."

"He said it was just about the team. We had to win the three points, nothing else was important. That was the right attitude. The mentality he has is fantastic and I'm very happy he's here," said Flick.

Rashford, who is on loan for one season from Manchester United, has scored six goals and provided 11 assists in 21 appearances for Barcelona this season.

Before the November 2025 international break, he had been a starter in 10 consecutive matches to lead the Blaugrana to the top of the LaLiga standings. However, his playing minutes have now been reduced since Raphinha returned to full fitness.

Flick also faces a dilemma in selecting players in the striker position, with Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski both competing for the number 9 role in the team.

Torres has scored 13 goals in 20 appearances, while veteran Lewandowski has scored eight goals in 17 games.

The German coach said the internal competition between the two encouraged them to give their best performance.

"It increases the potential of each player when there is competition in that position, such as between Ferran and Lewy,"

"It's good for the team, it's good for them to play at the highest level. What I've seen in the last five weeks, it's been amazing. Lewy, Ferran, it's perfect. For me, it's perfect," said Flick.

One area that is beyond doubt is the goalkeeper position. Although Marc-Andre ter Stegen has recovered from injury, Flick said Joan Garcia - a player brought in from Espanyol for 25 million euros last summer - was the first choice.

"Joan is number 1. There is no intention to replace Joan. Joan is number 1 and he has played very, very well," he said.

With Wojciech Szczesny currently backing up Garcia, it puts recovered Ter Stegen in a difficult position as he aspires to be Germany's No. 1 goalkeeper at the 2026 World Cup.

Reports suggest he may have to leave in January 2026 - either on loan or permanently. Flick confirmed he had spoken to the goalkeeper about his role in the team and his future.

"Of course I spoke to him, it's my job to speak to the players. However, it's a matter between him and me," he said.

Barcelona will host Osasuna on Sunday, December 14, 2025, early morning WIB, at Camp Nou with the opportunity to increase the seven-point lead over Real Madrid, who will play against Alaves.

The victory over Osasuna made Barcelona's record seven consecutive wins since losing in the El Clasico against Los Blancos in October 2025.

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