Marcus Rashford set for key new role at Barcelona after impressive start as Hansi Flick plans tactical change in response to PSG and Sevilla defeats

According to Mundo Deportivo, the German coach, furious with his team’s lack of intensity and pressing, has spent the international break dissecting every detail. Against PSG, Barca were bullied by the French champions’ power and precision. Whereas, against Sevilla, they were simply outworked. And his solution is bold: reinventing Rashford as Barcelona’s centre-forward.

Flick’s blueprint involves Rashford spearheading the attack, with Raphinha on the left, Lamine Yamal on the right, and Fermín Lopez just behind them. That trio, though, have all been nursing injuries, and their fitness will determine when the new system debuts. The manager is already eyeing Barcelona’s next fixtures as a testing ground. The first could be Girona on October 18 at Montjuic, followed by a crucial Champions League clash against Olympiacos on the 21st. If all goes well, the real test will come a week later: El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 26.

Flick's plan to use Rashford as a No.9 has been brewing for a long time. During pre-season, Rashford looked like a man reborn, scoring in a 5-0 friendly demolition of Daegu FC and impressing Flick with his movement and aggression. In that match, he was told to lead the line in the second half after he replaced Lewandowski. The forward did not disappoint, and that has inspired Flick to experiment once more in the thick of the campaign. 

"He can play at No.9 or No.11," said Flick. "We changed it because we had to be careful with Ferran. We wanted to see how he adapted to the position."

Rashford has always said his best work comes from the left flank, cutting inside onto his right foot; the same way he’s scored most of his career goals. But Flick sees something different: a powerful runner who can press defenders, stretch the backline, and finish with composure. Barcelona’s recent lack of pressing has cost them dearly, and the manager believes that with Rashford up front, the team can rediscover the ferocious energy that powered them to a domestic treble last season.

The tactical shift also aligns with the club’s broader vision. Sporting director Deco has made it clear that Barcelona won’t chase a big-name striker to replace Robert Lewandowski, who turned 37 this year and still has a contract until 2026. With rumours linking Barca to Erling Haaland and Serhou Guirassy, Deco’s stance suggests Flick’s new approach is part of a long-term evolution rather than a stopgap fix.

“We shouldn’t be obsessed with signing a number 9,” he said. “Perhaps you can do without one. This isn’t the time to talk about signings. Ferran (Torres) can play as a 9. PSG won the Champions League without a penalty-area player. Talking about a ‘9’ is a bit of a mistake, although there are good players."

The Polish legend, who has alternated starts with Torres this season, is being eased out of a full-time role. Flick wants to preserve his experience but is ready to inject youth and pace into the front line. That’s where Rashford fits perfectly: a player who combines Premier League explosiveness with Champions League pedigree. If the experiment works, he could become the long-term heir to Lewandowski’s throne.

All eyes are now on Rashford’s adaptation. If he delivers against Girona and Olympiacos, he could lead the line at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Madrid, a chance to silence doubters and announce himself as Barcelona’s new star striker. A few months ago, he was on the fringes. Now, he’s on the verge of becoming the man Hansi Flick builds Barcelona around. And if the experiment works, the Nou Camp faithful might soon have a new anthem to sing; not for Lewandowski, but for Rashford, the Englishman who came to Spain and found himself again.