Marcus Rashford’s rule-breaking admission as Barcelona boss forced to act | Football | Sport
Marcus Rashford previously confessed to flouting regulations at Manchester United, whilst his current Barcelona manager has implemented more stringent protocols to address tardiness at training sessions or on matchdays. Currently on loan from United, Rashford has recaptured his best form. However, the punctuality problems that troubled him at Old Trafford have persisted.
Earlier this campaign, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick excluded him from the squad as punishment. Rashford turned up merely two minutes late to a team briefing and was consequently omitted from the starting XI for a fixture against Getafe. Flick had directed his squad to attend a 9:30am meeting on matchday, with an ‘activation session’ scheduled for 11am. Despite the minimal two-minute delay, the manager’s rigid disciplinary approach ensured Rashford wasn’t selected to start.
The German boss has now introduced even harsher measures for players guilty of poor timekeeping – with those who transgress now liable for a substantial monetary sanction. Barcelona striker Ferran Torres said recently: “Hansi Flick has just changed the rules on arriving late. If it’s match day and you’re late, you have to pay €40,000 (£34,900) fine”.
During 2024, Rashford encountered serious disciplinary measures after attending social gatherings and missing training in Manchester following back-to-back evenings out in Belfast. The striker was absent from Friday training, attributing his non-attendance to illness, and subsequently received a £650,000 fine.
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
In January 2023, Rashford acknowledged he was excluded from United’s starting XI against Wolves after oversleeping and turning up late to a team briefing. Former United manager Erik ten Hag subsequently kept the forward among the substitutes for the fixture at Molineux.
Speaking to BT Sport, Rashford said: “I was a little bit late for a meeting – I overslept. It’s the team rules and it’s a mistake that can happen.
“I’m disappointed not to play, but I understand the decision and I’m happy that we managed to win the game anyway. I think we can draw a line under it and move on.”
Barcelona presently lead the La Liga table, a single point ahead of rivals Real Madrid, after their 3-0 win over Levante on Sunday. Flick now seems to be establishing elite standards at the club as he pursues his second successive league crown with the Spanish side.
He said: “The group is convinced of the work we are doing. It is not a simple situation, but communication is essential. We have been very clear and honest with each other. I ask them questions, it’s my way of managing the team.
“We need leaders in the dressing room and for that, it is key to speak to them at the same level. After that, the decisions are mine. I want the players to take responsibility and they are doing that.”
