“It’s Only About the Team” – Flick Praises Rashford’s Mentality at Barcelona

Marcus Rashford losing his starting spot could have become a problem at Barcelona. Instead, Hansi Flick believes it has revealed exactly why the forward can thrive at the club.

The Barça coach singled out Rashford’s response to recent benchings as evidence of elite professionalism, after the England international delivered a decisive impact off the bench in the Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

A Test of Character, Not Ability

Rashford, 28, was restored to the starting lineup in last weekend’s dramatic 5–3 LaLiga victory away at Real Betis after missing four consecutive matches. But any sense of momentum was checked again in midweek when Flick opted to leave him among the substitutes for the 2–1 Champions League win against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Rather than sulk, Rashford changed the game. Introduced in the second half, he provided the assist for Jules Koundé’s equalizer, helping Barcelona wrestle back control and secure a crucial European victory.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s league clash with Osasuna, Flick framed the situation as a reflection of squad strength rather than an indictment of Rashford.

“When he’s on the bench, it shows also we have a good team,” Flick said. “In this position we have excellent players. He is an absolute professional. His attitude and mentality are great.”

Adaptation Period Is Over

Flick acknowledged that Rashford needed time to settle after arriving on a season-long loan from Manchester United but insists that phase is now firmly behind him.

“In the beginning, he had to adapt a little bit, but now he’s on his best level,” the German coach explained.

What impressed Flick most was not the assist against Frankfurt but a private conversation with the player after being left out.

“I speak with the players when they’re not playing, explaining why,” Flick said. “What he said to me was, ‘Boss, you don’t have to tell me this. It’s only about the team. We have to win three points. Nothing else is important.’”

For a coach managing a deep squad with multiple egos, that mindset carries real weight.

“That’s the right attitude,” Flick added. “The mentality he has is fantastic. I am really happy he is here.”

Numbers That Justify the Trust

Rashford’s contribution this season backs up Flick’s faith. Across 21 appearances in all competitions, he has scored six goals and registered 11 assists, operating across the front line and offering pace and creativity from wide areas.

Before the November international break, he had started 10 straight matches for the LaLiga leaders. His reduced minutes since then are less about form and more about increased competition following Raphinha’s return to full fitness.

If anything, Rashford’s situation highlights the selection dilemmas Flick now faces weekly.

Competition Driving Barcelona Forward

That internal battle is even fiercer through the middle. Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski are locked in a genuine contest for the No. 9 role, and Flick is clearly enjoying the problem.

Torres has scored 13 goals in 20 appearances this season, while Lewandowski has eight goals from 17 games. Rather than destabilizing the squad, Flick believes the rivalry is raising standards.

“It increases the ceiling of every player when there is competition,” he said. “What I see in the last five weeks is amazing. Lewy, Ferran, it’s perfect. For me, it’s perfect.”

The message is clear. No place is guaranteed, but performance and mentality are rewarded.

No Debate in Goal, For Now

One position where Flick insists there is no debate is in goal. Despite Marc André ter Stegen’s return from injury, summer signing Joan García remains the first choice.

“Joan is No. 1,” Flick said bluntly. “There is no idea to change him.”

García, a €25 million arrival from Espanyol, has justified that trust, with Wojciech Szczesny currently serving as his backup. That leaves Ter Stegen in a delicate position as he looks ahead to next summer’s World Cup, where he hopes to be Germany’s starting goalkeeper.

Reports have suggested a possible January move, either on loan or permanently. Flick confirmed discussions have taken place but kept details private.

“Of course I speak with him,” he said. “It’s my job. But it’s between him and me.”

Momentum Building at a Critical Time

Barcelona hosts Osasuna at Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday, knowing a win would extend their winning run to seven matches since the October Clásico defeat and open a potential seven-point gap over Real Madrid, who faces Alavés on Sunday.

For Rashford, the message from his coach is unmistakable. Starts may come and go, but attitude is nonnegotiable. At a club chasing titles on multiple fronts, that mentality might prove just as valuable as goals and assists in the weeks ahead.