Hansi Flick Addresses Rashford's Role in Barca's Preseason
The buzz around Barcelona’s preseason isn’t just about the results—it’s about how new and existing players fit in, adapt, and avoid the injury trap. When Marcus Rashford made his debut in the friendly against Vissel Kobe, all eyes were on how the speedy Manchester United loanee would handle his first minutes in a Barcelona shirt. But after just half an hour on the pitch in the second half, Rashford was taken off. Fans immediately speculated—was he injured again?
Manager Hansi Flick quickly put those fears to rest. He told journalists that substituting Rashford early was actually a deliberate, pre-planned decision. Flick's concern was simple: growing Rashford's match fitness gradually after a stop-start year. The 26-year-old attacker is still shaking off the effects of a hamstring tweak that disrupted his Manchester United season. Add to that the fact he joined Barcelona's training camp a week later than most, and you’ve got a player who needs careful handling, not a full-throttle return.
Building Fitness and Adapting to Barcelona
Flick made it clear he prioritizes the long-term. "Rashford is a week behind the rest of the squad in training and it’s vital not to push him too soon," he explained after the game. The coaching staff drew up a specific plan for Rashford, giving him enough playing time to get a feel for the high-tempo, keep-ball style Barcelona is famous for, without risking a setback. The goal? To have Rashford at peak sharpness when the official matches kick off, not just shining for one half in July and then spending August in the treatment room.
The English forward, meanwhile, didn’t seem fazed by the short stint. Speaking with club media, Rashford acknowledged there’s a learning curve—not just rebuilding stamina, but syncing with teammates. He said he’s fully bought into Flick’s tactical ideas and is comfortable being used either as a central striker or on the left wing, depending on how the match unfolds. His flexibility is a major asset for a Barcelona team aiming to surprise opponents with new attacking options this season.
The moment Rashford left the pitch, fans got a fresh thrill: 17-year-old Pedro Fernández, up from the youth ranks, stepped on for his debut. It didn’t take long for the teenager to announce himself—he bagged Barcelona’s third goal of the match, underlining the club’s commitment to giving homegrown talent a shot alongside big-name signings. For a preseason friendly, it was just about the perfect mix of caution for star players and opportunity for rising prospects.
The behind-the-scenes approach from Flick reflects a wider philosophy—Barcelona wants to get the best out of Rashford, but not at the expense of his health or the squad’s balance. Attentive management now could pay huge dividends in the months ahead as the club juggles domestic and European ambitions.
