Hansi Flick says joining Barcelona on loan from Manchester United and experiencing life in a new country has put a smile on Marcus Rashford’s face.
The striker was out of favor at United last season, but has found new momentum since arriving in Spain. Rashford made a positive impression for Barcascoring six times in all competitions this season, and Flick is relieved the England international is fit to face Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday night after missing his side’s win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday with a cold.
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“I’m really very happy,” said the Barcelona coach. “He came back from a cold, but he is fine. We will decide tomorrow whether he leaves or not. But I am happy to have him in our team.
“I followed him throughout his career, I was impressed by his quality, by what he does in the box in front of the opponent’s goal. He showed it in Barcelona. Also for him, this change of living in another culture, with fantastic people, good weather, it’s incredible. We can see now that he also smiles a lot. If he can enjoy the atmosphere we have, that’s also very good.”
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Barcelona are above Chelsea on goal difference after taking seven points from their opening four games in the league stage. The Spanish champions traveled to London without Pedri but were boosted by the return of in-form Brazilian winger Raphinha.
The focus is on whether Estêvão Willian, Chelsea’s 18-year-old Brazilian winger, can surpass Lamine Yamal. Marc Cucurella knows Lamine Yamal well and joked that he was preparing to mark his international teammate by increasing the intensity on the training pitch. “I tell Estêvão to wear shin guards in training,” said the Chelsea left-back.
Chelsea will be without Cole Palmer, who is wearing a protective boot after breaking his toe in an accident at home last week. The playmaker is back in training but Enzo Maresca says Palmer is unlikely to be fit to face Arsenal on Sunday.
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Maresca, who played in Spain, was asked if he had ambitions to manage Barcelona one day. “You know me because you are always at my press conference,” the Italian said. “Even when people ask me what will happen in three or four months, I always say I don’t know. I’m very happy to be at this huge club, one of the best clubs in the world, and that’s the most important thing.”
