‘Plenty more time’ for Marcus Rashford decision – Hansi Flick

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said Marcus Rashford’s long-term future with the Spanish giants remains uncertain.

The England international has largely impressed during a loan spell from Manchester United with seven goals across 28 appearances.

But Flick said a decision as to whether Barcelona will take up an option to keep Rashford beyond the end of the current campaign is yet to be taken.

“(Sporting director) Deco and I always speak about our team and what we can do,” said Flick when quizzed about Rashford.

“Marcus’ performances have been really good until now, but we have to manage it. It’s Deco’s job and the club’s job to work on next season so we have to wait.

“We still have plenty more time, there are many months, many days, many weeks ahead of us, and that’s how it is.”

Meanwhile, Flick has challenged his side to record a 12th consecutive victory when they face Real Sociedad on Sunday.

Since losing to Chelsea in the Champions League on November 25, Barcelona have won every match – including victory over Real Madrid in Jeddah to secure the Spanish Super Cup.

Barcelona will head into Sunday’s contest against Sociedad with the chance to establish a healthy lead over Madrid at the summit of LaLiga.

However, their opponents are on a five-match unbeaten run across all competitions which has coincided with Pellegrino Matarazzo’s appointment as Sociedad’s manager last month.

“If we want to win the league, we have to beat Real Sociedad,” continued Flick ahead of his side’s trip to the Anoeta Stadium.

“It will be a tough match because Real Sociedad have some fantastic players. And they’re in good form after their recent results. They’ve grown in confidence since Matarazzo arrived.”

Winger Raphinha is a doubt for the match with a knock. The winger, who has scored eight times in his last eight matches, did not train with his team-mates on Saturday.