BARCELONA BOSS FLICK PLANS BOLD NEW POSITION FOR RASHFORD
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick plans a major tactical shift, with reports indicating Marcus Rashford will be trialled as the new central striker following recent poor results against Sevilla and PSG.
Photo Credit: Europa Press via Getty Images
According to reports, Marcus Rashford will play a significant new role at Barcelona as Hansi Flick looks to implement a tactical shift following losses to Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain. From Premier League exile to Barcelona's next big hope, the English forward was once written off and loaned out of Manchester United. His career appeared to be in ruins after Ruben Amorim dumped him and sent him fleeing to Aston Villa in January. But after a few months, everything has changed due to a new supervisor and a renewed feeling of purpose.
Flick's strategy for Rashford following the two catastrophes
Mundo Deportivo claims that the German coach has been analysing every aspect of his team's performance over the international break because he is incensed about their lack of pushing and intensity. The strength and accuracy of the French champions intimidated Barca against PSG. In contrast, they were just outworked by Sevilla. Reimagining Rashford as Barcelona's centre-forward is his audacious solution.
Rashford leads the assault in Flick's plan, with Raphinha to the left, Lamine Yamal to the right, and Fermín Lopez to the rear. However, all three of them have been recovering from injuries, and when the new method is implemented will depend on how well they are. The manager is already considering Barcelona's upcoming games as a trial run. First up might be Girona at Montjuic on October 18, followed by a pivotal Champions League matchup with Olympiacos on the 21st. The main test, El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 26, will take place a week later, if everything goes according to plan.
Rashford's opportunity to contribute as a No. 9
It has long been Flick's intention to deploy Rashford as a No. 9. Rashford seemed like a man reborn during preseason, scoring in a 5-0 friendly thumping of Daegu FC and winning Flick over with his energy and mobility. He took Lewandowski's position in that game and was instructed to lead the line in the second half. Flick has been motivated to try new things again in the midst of the campaign because the forward did not let him down.
Flick stated, "He can play at No. 9 or No. 11." "We had to exercise caution with Ferran, so we made the change. We were interested in how he adjusted to the role.
Rashford has consistently stated that he scores the majority of his goals throughout his career by cutting inside onto his right foot from the left flank. Flick, on the other hand, sees a strong runner who can stretch the backline, press defenders, and finish calmly. The manager thinks that with Rashford up front, Barcelona can regain the fierce intensity that propelled them to a domestic treble the previous season, as their current lack of pushing has cost them dearly.
Deco makes a shocking transfer announcement about a new No. 9.
Additionally, the tactical change is in line with the club's overarching goals. Deco, the director of Sporting, has stated unequivocally that Barcelona would not pursue a well-known striker to take Robert Lewandowski's place. Lewandowski turned 37 this year and still has a contract with the team through 2026. Given the rumours that Barca is linked to Serhou Guirassy and Erling Haaland, Deco's position implies that Flick's new strategy is a long-term development rather than a temporary solution.
He stated, "We should not be fixated on signing a number nine." You might be able to get by without one. Now is not the time to discuss signings. Torres' Ferran can play as a nine. Without a player in the penalty area, PSG won the Champions League. While some players are good, discussing a "9" is a bit of a mistake.
The Polish icon is being gradually removed from a full-time position. This season, he has alternated starts with Torres. Flick is prepared to provide youth and speed to the front line while preserving his experience. Rashford, who mixes Premier League explosiveness with Champions League credentials, is the ideal match in this situation. He might succeed Lewandowski as the long-term heir if the experiment is successful.
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.