With Ferran Torres and Raphinha doubtful for both the Champions League clash and El Clasico, head coach Hansi Flick confirmed his faith in Marcus Rashford to spearhead the attack. The German coach hailed Rashford as a "good option as a No. 9 or No. 11," emphasising his recent improvement. As Barcelona battle a major injury crisis, the on-loan forward is set to be the crucial focal point against Olympiacos and potentially Real Madrid.
Rashford's pivotal role confirmed amidst injury fear
In his pre-match press conference ahead of the Champions League fixture against Olympiacos, Barcelona coach Flick confirmed the severity of his squad's injury woes, yet offered a clear solution with Rashford leading the line. With key forwards Torres and Raphinha expected to miss the European clash, Flick expressed his confidence in the on-loan Manchester United forward.
"Rashford is a good option as a No. 9, but he can also play as an No. 11. That's what we thought when we signed him: he can play as a No. 9 or No. 11, and it's great to have him in our team. He's improved a lot in recent weeks, he gives us a lot of positives, and of course, he can play as a No. 9," said Flick.
This endorsement is timely, as Torres's strained left hamstring and Raphinha's longer layoff which is expected to be around a month, necessitate a reliable focal point. Flick confirmed he is minimising risks with Torres, hoping he and Raphinha can return for El Clasico, but acknowledged the situation is "difficult."
AdvertisementAFPBarca deal with crippling absentee list
Barcelona's attacking strength are severely compromised for the crucial week ahead. Torres, directly involved in six goals across 10 La Liga games this season, is sidelined with muscle discomfort, having played a full 90 minutes for Spain before the overload. Dani Olmo is also ruled out of the Clasico with a calf injury that will keep him out for three to four weeks.
Flick openly admitted he misses the intensity of Raphinha, saying the winger "was very important for us last season." The club's frustration remains high over the fitness handling by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) concerning players like Olmo and Lamine Yamal, both of whom allegedly trained despite reporting discomfort in the national camp. This forces Flick to rely heavily on youth, calling up seven Barca Atletic players to the squad.
Flick on his absence and personal reflection amid injury crisis
The impending El Clasico against Madrid may see Flick absent from the touchline at the Santiago Bernabeu. The coach was dismissed in the late stages of the 2-1 win over Girona for arguing over the amount of added time. While maintaining his protest was not directed at the referee, Flick admitted he has to accept the red card and will be a spectator for the title-shaping clash.
Beyond the tactical and disciplinary concerns, the intense pressure of the job has prompted personal reflection from the coach. Flick confessed: "I'm not more nervous, maybe my emotions aren't the same as before. I remember when I was coaching Bayern Munich, there were images of us winning 8-2 against Barça, and I never smiled after eight goals. Now I have more emotions; this club has changed me completely. What I can say is that I love this club, I love Barcelona, I love the people here, it's incredible, and I give my all for this club. I live for the club. I don't like these things when I see myself on TV, to be honest, and I don't like my grandson seeing me like this, so maybe I have to change my behaviour."
Getty ImagesBarca's must-win European clash
Amidst the injury gloom, the return of 18-year-old Lamine Yamal is a significant boost. The winger made an impactful return against Girona, providing an assist for Pedri's opening goal and playing his predetermined 60 minutes. Flick confirmed Yamal is now ready for the congested fixture list, providing a much-needed spark alongside Lopez, who is also pushing for a starting spot.
The immediate focus remains the Champions League match against Olympiacos. Following a 2-1 loss to PSG in their last European fixture, this is a must-win game to solidify their position. Flick warned that Olympiacos are a formidable attacking side with strong "statistics," forcing the Blaugrana to quickly find their defensive cohesion. Winning this match is vital for building momentum and confidence before the October 26 Clasico, where they will seek to close the gap on La Liga leaders Madrid, who currently sit on 24 points from nine matches to Barcelona's 22 points.
