Barcelona coach explains decision to start Ferran Torres over Marcus Rashford vs Chelsea | OneFootball

Minutes before Barcelona take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the UEFA Champions League, Hansi Flick spoke to the broadcasters, wherein he explained his team selection and shared the excitement ahead of the contest.

The starting lineup, which was announced a little while ago, saw Flick choose Ferran Torres on the left flank even though Marcus Rashford was fit and available after recovering from an illness.

But, justifying the decision, the Barcelona head coach explained that the Spanish forward’s double against Athletic Club over the weekend earned him the spot.

At the same time, he backed Rashford to make an impact when he does get a chance.

“Ferran scored two goals on Saturday, and Marcus had been out for three or four days due to his injury, but he’s ready to play at any moment,” said Rashford, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

Ferran Torres starts for Barcelona over Rashford, Raphinha. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Discussing how Barça will approach the game, he added: “Our philosophy is to play with intensity; that’s what I want to see.”

Regarding the instructions he had passed on to his players ahead of what is a special game at Stamford Bridge against the FIFA Club World Cup winners, the German remarked:

“I’ve told my players to enjoy themselves, to show how good they are, and to be a team.”

One of the main ideas Flick underlined was the need “to match Chelsea’s intensity.” In that regard, the Barcelona coach highlighted that his team “arrives in good form, after winning the previous match and keeping a clean sheet.”

Showing “how good they are” involves, among other things, “on keeping possession,” Flick added.

“We can do it because it is one of our qualities. I trust my team,” he stressed.