Hansi Flick has spoken only positively about Marcus Rashford but the Englishman failed to make an impact on Tuesday evening
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona
The Spanish press had little to say about Marcus Rashford's outing(Image: Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
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It was a nightmare return to Champions League football for Barcelona and Marcus Rashford on Tuesday evening, with Hansi Flick's side falling to a 3-0 defeat in London.
Strikes from Estevao and Liam Delap, as well as an own-goal from Jules Kounde, secured the win for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, with Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo also being shown a red card. Since heading out on loan to Barca from Manchester United, Rashford has enjoyed some highlight moments for the Spanish team, but he failed to impose himself on this game.
However, in fairness to Rashford he missed out on the previous game against Athletic Club due to illness, which is part of the reason that Flick decided to bench him for the first half.
On top of that, Ferran Torres has been in solid form of late and Flick has spoken about this element. Flick said: "Ferran scored two goals on Saturday, and Marcus had been out for three or four days due to his injury, but he’s ready to play at any moment."
By the time Rashford entered the field, Barca were already a man down and goal down, so it was hard to make an impact for the England international.
Nevertheless, here's what the Spanish press had to say about Rashford's performance against Chelsea.
MARCA - "Ferran comes on after the break. He tries to get Lewandowski running, but it doesn't work. Several defenders in blue close him down every time he touches the ball. The Englishman is having a tough time. Rated five."
SPORT - "He came on with one less player and couldn't act as an agitator. He was neither seen nor sacrificed in defence."
Mundo Deportivo - "Nothing like his previous visit to England, which resulted in two goals in Newcastle. He couldn't swim against the tide."
Josh Acheampong of Chelsea battles for possession with Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona
Marcus Rashford in action against Chelsea(Image: Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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It is highly unlikely Flick will read too much into Rashford's display, given the circumstances explained and the fact the German manager is clearly a big fan of the 28-year-old.
"I'm really very happy [he is back]. We will decide tomorrow [Tuesday] if he plays from the beginning or if he comes in from the bench. But as I said, I'm happy to have him in our team," Flick said.
"Last time when we played Newcastle, I also said this. I have followed him, I think, his whole career. I was impressed about him, with his quality, what he is doing in the box, what he is doing in front of goal.
"He has also showed it in Barcelona, which is really good. But for him, this change to live in another culture. The people in Barcelona are fantastic, we have nice weather. For me, it's amazing.
"You can see now he is also smiling a lot, and if he can enjoy the atmosphere we have, it is also good for him."
There is a £26million buy option in his loan contract and after a strong start to the season, it's likely Barcelona will be keen to acquire his services on a permanent basis.