- Marcus Rashford looked back to his best with a brilliant brace against Newcastle in the Champions League
- But just days later, Hansi Flick dropped him from Barcelona’s starting XI against Getafe
- The decision came after off-the-field issues saw the Englishman clash with one of Flick’s strict rules
Marcus Rashford was left out of Barcelona’s starting lineup against Getafe after breaking one of Hansi Flick’s golden rules.
This came just after his Champions League heroics on Thursday, when he scored a brace against Newcastle at St. James’ Park.
Source: Getty Images
After that performance, the Englishman was singled out for praise by Flick.
“I am not surprised [by his goals],” the German said after Barcelona recorded a 2-1 win at St James’ Park. “I think he’s a fantastic player. His skills are unbelievable and his finishing is unbelievable.”
A rejuvenated Marcus Rashford was tipped to start Barcelona’s upcoming La Liga clash against Getafe, but he lost his spot in Hansi Flick’s lineup, not for his performances, but due to off-field issues.
The 27-year-old forward is currently on loan with the Catalan giants from Manchester United, where manager Ruben Amorim had already sidelined him after questioning his professionalism and failing to see him meet the required standards.
Rashford dropped for breaking Flick rule
According to Sport Bible, journalist Fernando Polo reports that the 27-year-old was dropped after arriving late to a team meeting on Sunday.
Hansi Flick, known for his strict discipline, has made it clear that punctuality is non-negotiable.
Mundo Deportivo noted:
“Flick has a rule that all his players know – anyone who arrives late on a matchday doesn’t play, even if he was meant to start.”
Rashford, who lost his spot on the left wing to Ferran Torres for Sunday’s clash, isn’t the only player to face such consequences.
Jules Kounde, Inaki Peña, and Raphinha have also been punished by Flick for tardiness.
Source: Getty Images
Upon his arrival at Barcelona, the no-nonsense German coach introduced 10 strict rules for his players, according to AS.
From arriving at least an hour before training to undergoing daily weight checks, the former Bayern Munich and Germany boss has enforced major changes behind the scenes.
Players are required to eat in the squad canteen without exception, and every matchday begins with a morning warm-up before regrouping at the team hotel ahead of departure.
Flick has also scrapped late-night return flights, mandating hotel stays after evening fixtures.
Training sessions are intense, with 90-minute workouts and a daily commitment of around five hours at the club facilities, while days off have been reduced to maximise preparation.
His methods appear to be paying off, as Barcelona head into the 2025/26 season as reigning La Liga champions.
Rashford’s unreal stat for Barcelona
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that a remarkable stat has surfaced from Rashford’s outstanding display for Barcelona in the Champions League.
The Englishman made history by becoming the first-ever English player to score for Barcelona in Europe’s elite club competition.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
