“I only want players who live for Barcelona colours,” manager insists
Hansi Flick has praised Marcus Rashford as embodying the qualities he expects to see in anyone wearing Barcelona colours.
Rashford joined Barcelona on a season-long loan from Manchester United last summer but the move could be made permanent at the end of the season. Rashford has repeatedly said it is his dream to play for the club and he is always ready to give 100 per cent.
Flick drew a subtle comparison between the England player and highly rated La Masia youngster Dro Fernandez, who told the club he wanted to leave this January. The 18-year-old has a €6m release clause.
“Of course with Marcus we have a player on the top level, but also with our situation, and what I appreciate a lot from him [is his desire to be here],” said Flick.
“This is what I want to say to young players from La Masia: We are Barcelona and we are one of the best teams in the world. We give them the opportunity to train with us, to grow, to train with the best players in the world, the support and the confidence.
“If you want to play with Barça, then it has to be 100 per cent with your whole heart. This is what I want to say to everyone: 100 per cent. These colours, you have to live for them. All the others, I don’t want.”
Barcelona are yet to make a decision over whether or not to make Rashford’s move permanent, and Flick said he was leaving the decision to sporting director Deco.
“Marcus’ performances have been really good until now, so we have to manage it, but it’s Deco’s job do things for next season,” Flick said. “We have to wait. We have months to go.”
