Hansi Flick reveals why Marcus Rashford's Barcelona debut only lasted 33 minutes as Man Utd loanee plays in Vissel Kobe win

Hansi Flick has revealed why he cut Marcus Rashford's pre-season debut for Barcelona short, taking the loanee off after just 33 minutes.

  • Rashford entered the game at halftime
  • Flick notes: “He’s trailing the squad by a week”
  • boss thrilled with 3-1 triumph against

Hansi Flick reveals why Marcus Rashford's Barcelona debut only lasted 33 minutes as Man Utd loanee plays in Vissel Kobe winHansi Flick reveals why Marcus Rashford's Barcelona debut only lasted 33 minutes as Man Utd loanee plays in Vissel Kobe winHansi Flick reveals why Marcus Rashford's Barcelona debut only lasted 33 minutes as Man Utd loanee plays in Vissel Kobe win

Unveiling the Brief Barcelona Debut of Marcus Rashford in Vissel Kobe Clash

In a thrilling pre-season encounter that showcased Barcelona’s evolving squad dynamics, Marcus Rashford made his much-anticipated debut for the Catalan giants on loan from . Stepping onto the pitch during a friendly against Vissel Kobe in , the English forward’s appearance was cut short, sparking curiosity among fans. As Barcelona gears up for the new La Liga season, this move highlights their strategy to bolster attacking options, especially with Rashford’s proven track record of 30 goals in the 2022-23 campaign. This integration phase is crucial as the team aims to reclaim domestic dominance following a challenging previous year.

Hansi Flick Explains Marcus Rashford’s Limited Time on Pitch During Barcelona’s Win

During the match that ended in a convincing 3-1 victory for Barcelona, Rashford was introduced at the break but withdrawn after just 33 minutes in the 78th. Coach Hansi Flick highlighted that the 27-year-old is still catching up to the team’s fitness levels, emphasizing a cautious approach to his integration. The staff is focused on nurturing his adaptation to ensure peak performance without risking injury.

Supporters of the Blaugrana were impressed by Rashford’s defensive contributions during his brief stint, even if offensive impacts were minimal. This positive reception comes amid Barcelona’s recent pre-season form, where they’ve secured wins in three out of four as of July 2025, building momentum for competitive fixtures.

Details of Rashford’s Loan Arrangement and Match Highlights

Rashford’s temporary switch to Barcelona includes a purchase option valued at €30 million (£26m/$35m), offering the club flexibility for a permanent deal. In the game, Barcelona dominated with strikes from defender Eric Garcia, emerging talent Roony Bardghji, and promising youth player Pedro Fernandez, securing a comfortable win despite a momentary lapse in control.

Flick expressed satisfaction with the overall display, noting the opponent’s tactical similarities that provided a valuable challenge. He described the opening half-hour as outstanding, with the team regaining composure post-interval for a solid finish.

Coach’s Insights on Team Performance and Opponent Strategy

In his post-match comments, Flick stated: “Marcus is lagging behind the group by about a week in terms of ball work and training intensity. Our priority is to manage his workload carefully.”

He added: “This was an excellent workout for us. We started strong, dipped a little midway, but bounced back impressively. The way Vissel Kobe handled possession and their pressing game was intriguing-mirroring elements of our own philosophy.”

Preparing Marcus Rashford for Barcelona’s La Liga Kickoff Against Mallorca

Having trained separately from his Manchester colleagues, Rashford faces the task of reaching Barcelona’s high standards swiftly. With the La Liga season opener against set for August 16, he has a handful of remaining pre-season outings to build match fitness and chemistry with teammates. This period is vital, especially considering his recent statistics: contributing to 15 goal involvements in the last Premier League season despite limited starts.