Hansi Flick Makes Decision on Signing Marcus Rashford Ahead of El Clasico
Hansi Flick has given Barcelona clear instructions on whether to sign Marcus Rashford following his loan move from Manchester United.
Barca resume their La Liga campaign on Saturday when they face old rivals Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
The Catalan giants, who trail league leaders Real by two points, enter the El Clasico clash on red-hot form, having smashed Olympiacos in the Champions League.
Barca beat Olympiacos 6-1 on Tuesday as Rashford shone in attack, bagging a stunning brace.
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He scored a quick-fire double in the second-half, improving his tally to five goals.
Rashford has impressed fans and critics alike since arriving at Barca from Man United.
Not to mention the club itself, with Flick desperate to make the move a permanent transfer.
According to reports in Spain, Flick has told Deco to 'pay the €30 million' to make Rashford's loan a permanent switch.
Deco himself shares the same view and is seriously considering exercising the purchase option, which is thought to be around €30 million (£26 million).
Rashford has made 12 appearances across all competitions this season.
He's enjoying a run of games at Barca, having endured a tough spell at Man United.
Speaking during the October international break, the England star accepts he needs to improve his levels of consistency but claims it was hard to do so in the 'inconsistent environment' at Old Trafford.
"Consistency is a massive part of it. I feel like I’ve been in an inconsistent environment for a very, very long time. So it’s even more difficult to be consistent then," he told ITV.
"Consistency is what I need to bring into my game. I’m looking to do that, I want to be at my best, not sometimes, but as often as possible."
The 27-year-old added: "When people talk about consistency, in order to be consistent in anything, not just sport, you need consistent variables in your life, in the way you train and we’ve just had so many changes so far in my career.
"I have to look forward and that’s definitely one of the things I want to put right and improve on and to be at my best more often. When I’m at my best I really enjoy everything about the sport, so being there is a special thing for me."
What has Marcus Rashford said about playing against Real Madrid in El Clasico?
Rashford is no stranger to a big occasion, having played for Man United against Liverpool and cross-town rivals Manchester City.
And he could get his first taste of an El Clasico when his side travel to the Spanish capital on the weekend.
Even though Rashford has only been at the club for a few months, he acknowledges the importance of the game and is looking forward to it.
"The match against Real Madrid is important and one of the reasons I came here," he said after Barca's Champions League victory. "I’m looking forward to it."
Topics: Marcus Rashford, Barcelona, Manchester United, Football
Nasir Jabbar