Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has provided a clear explanation for his decisive half-time substitution of Marcus Rashford during Tuesday's pre-season clash against Levante.
The German tactician handed the Manchester United loanee a coveted starting spot in the attacking lineup, alongside Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati. However, Rashford's first-half performance failed to meet expectations, leading to his replacement by Marc Guiu after just 45 minutes.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Flick emphasised that the decision was a tactical one, not a reflection of the player's quality. "We have to see how the players are, and we have to manage that," Flick stated. "It was the same with Marcus. We don't want to take any risks. It was planned that he would play 45 minutes."
The move appears to be a precautionary measure, prioritising the player's fitness and long-term integration into the squad over immediate match impact. Flick's comments suggest a carefully managed pre-season plan is in place for all players, particularly those still building match sharpness.
This calculated approach from Flick offers early insight into his management style at the Catalan club—pragmatic and player-centric. While Rashford's brief appearance ended without a goal, the focus remains on gradual progression and avoiding unnecessary injury risks ahead of the demanding new season.
