Marcus Rashford Makes Hansi Flick Happy – But Barcelona Boss Demands More Goals After Key Role in La Liga Win

Hansi Flick praises Marcus Rashford’s impact in Barcelona’s 3-1 win over Elche but insists the English star must become even more clinical in front of goal

Barcelona’s return to winning ways after a bruising El Clasico defeat came with a familiar storyline — Marcus Rashford shining on the left flank and Hansi Flick both celebrating and challenging his new star. The Blaugrana’s 3-1 victory over Elche wasn’t just about the three points; it was about rhythm, confidence, and a glimpse of what Flick’s fast-paced, aggressive Barcelona is slowly becoming. And at the centre of it all was Rashford, a man reborn in Spain.

The English forward, on loan from Manchester United, scored his sixth goal of the season and played a key part in restoring belief among fans still licking their wounds from the defeat to Real Madrid. Yet, even as the Camp Nou crowd — or in this case, the Olympic Stadium faithful — rose to applaud him, Flick’s message after the final whistle was clear: there’s more to come, and more expected.

Rashford shines as Barcelona bounce back

Rashford shines as Barcelona bounce back

Barcelona’s 3-1 triumph over Elche had a sense of urgency about it. Flick’s men started with intent, pressing high and forcing mistakes from the visitors. Within 20 minutes, they were 2-0 up. Lamine Yamal, the teenage sensation, opened the scoring with a smart finish after good work from Ferran Torres, who added the second minutes later following a slick team move that summed up Flick’s vision — quick transitions, positional fluidity, and attacking discipline.

Elche managed to pull one back through Rafa Mir, who punished a rare lapse in Barca’s backline. But Rashford’s moment of brilliance sealed the night. Picking up the ball on the left, he drove at the defence, cut inside, and unleashed a thunderous strike that cannoned off the crossbar and into the net. The crowd erupted. The Englishman celebrated with a calm, almost understated gesture — as if to say this is what he’s supposed to do.

That goal took his tally to six for the season, with five assists to his name. In total, Rashford has been directly involved in 13 goals across all competitions — a clear sign that he’s thriving in Flick’s high-energy, attacking system.

Hansi Flick happy — but pushing for more

Rashford

After the game, Flick’s tone reflected both pride and persistence. He praised his team’s response after the Clasico loss but made no secret of his belief that there’s another level to reach — both collectively and individually.

“The most important thing is the three points,” Flick told reporters. “We did many things well, others not so well. There are still areas where we must improve.”

He went further when asked about Rashford’s performance: “One or two more goals would have been good for him. I’m happy with him; I know he can play at this level and he’s shown it. He’s an important player.”

It was classic Flick — equal parts encouragement and challenge. The German coach has always demanded consistency from his forwards, and while Rashford’s confidence is visibly back, Flick wants to see him develop the killer instinct that defines elite scorers in Spain.

“I think we created many chances and didn’t convert them all,” Flick added. “If we had taken better advantage of our opportunities, we would have finished 6-2. That’s the next step — being ruthless.”

Rashford’s rebirth in Barcelona colours

Few could have predicted just how well Marcus Rashford would adapt to life in Barcelona. When he arrived in the summer on loan from Manchester United, there were doubts — about his form, his confidence, even his motivation. But under Flick, he’s found freedom again.

Operating primarily on the left wing, Rashford has rediscovered his directness and spark. He cuts inside with conviction, presses aggressively, and works hard off the ball — traits Flick values highly. His chemistry with Ferran Torres and Fermin Lopez has been one of the pleasant surprises of the campaign, and his willingness to learn the nuances of Flick’s positional play has earned the respect of teammates and fans alike.

In many ways, Rashford’s revival mirrors Flick’s Barcelona project: still in transition, still flawed, but brimming with potential.

Barcelona’s plans to make Rashford’s move permanent

Of course, success on the pitch has brought with it a new question off it — can Barcelona afford to keep Rashford beyond this season? According to club insiders, the answer depends on compromise.

Barcelona are reportedly ready to make his loan from Manchester United permanent for a transfer fee in the region of £30 million. However, the sticking point is Rashford’s wages, believed to be around £300,000 a week — a figure that simply doesn’t fit within LaLiga’s strict financial regulations.

The club’s sporting directors are said to be working on a deal that would see Rashford agree to a significant salary reduction in exchange for a multi-year contract, spreading the cost and maintaining the club’s wage balance. Rashford, for his part, is open to the idea. Sources close to the player say he feels “revitalised and trusted” in Barcelona and sees the move as a chance to rebuild his career away from the Premier League’s spotlight.

Financial discipline remains a central theme at the club. One insider put it bluntly: “Rashford’s case is both sporting and financial. He’s been excellent, but every deal now must fit the new reality.”

Returning stars give Flick options

As important as Rashford’s form has been, Flick was equally pleased to welcome back two senior figures against Elche — Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo. Both came off the bench in the second half, marking their return from injury. Their presence will be crucial in the coming weeks as Barcelona face a congested fixture list.

The next test comes quickly: a Champions League clash against Club Brugge midweek, followed by a tough La Liga trip to Celta Vigo on November 9. With the international break looming, Flick will likely rotate his squad, ensuring key players like Rashford stay fresh.

Having Lewandowski and Olmo available again gives Barcelona added depth — and, perhaps just as importantly, allows Flick to experiment. Rashford has proven he can play centrally or even switch flanks if needed, and that versatility could be a huge asset as the season unfolds.

Flick’s philosophy taking shape

Since taking over in the summer, Hansi Flick has insisted that rebuilding Barcelona isn’t just about results, but about identity. His version of Barca plays with intensity and purpose — pressing high, attacking quickly, and relying on positional discipline rather than endless possession.

Against Elche, that philosophy was on full display. The tempo was relentless, the movement sharp, and the goals — particularly Rashford’s — the product of instinct and speed. Flick’s post-match analysis summed it up best: “We’re on the right path, but we must keep improving — every game, every player.”

Rashford’s road ahead

For Marcus Rashford, that message will resonate deeply. After a turbulent final season at Manchester United, he’s found clarity under Flick — a manager who both trusts and challenges him. His body language says as much; there’s joy again in his football, but also accountability.

And while Flick may have been “happy” on Sunday night, he’s right to demand more. Because the best version of Rashford — the one who scores 20-plus goals a season — could make Barcelona not just contenders, but champions again.

If his current trajectory continues, Barcelona might not just be fighting to keep him — they might be building around him.