Flick’s punishment: Why Marcus Rashford was benched vs Getafe | OneFootball

Barcelona have officially announced their starting lineup that will take on Getafe as the Catalans look for their third successive win in all competitions.

Heading into this game, new signing Marcus Rashford looked to be a surefire starter, having scored two goals in the win over Newcastle United in midweek.

However, Rashford was a notable exclusion from the starting eleven announced by Barcelona, with Hansi Flick opting for the front trio of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres instead.

Why was Rashford benched vs Getafe?

According to Mundo Deportivo, Rashford being benched against Getafe was a form of punishment handed out by Flick after the English forward was late for training.

Earlier this morning, the on-loan Manchester United forward arrived in training a little late. As a result, Flick has decided to omit him from the starting eleven.

Rashford will rue the missed opportunity to start vs Getafe. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

This is not a new thing for Flick, who has been consistent with his punishment for players who come to training late.

In the past, the German tactician has enforced such punishments on players such as Jules Kounde, Inaki Pena and most recently, Raphinha, who is one of the candidates to win the Ballon d’Or this month.

With Rashford not starting and Lamine Yamal out injured, Flick has opted to start with both Ferran and Lewandowski.

It appears Ferran will operate out wide alongside Raphinha, with Olmo operating in a central role. The three players will look to provide support to Lewandowski, whose goal-scoring senses could be important against a rigid Getafe defence.

However, it will be interesting to see if Flick decides to bring Rashford on later in the game, although the Englishman will face competition from Fermin Lopez and new signing Roony Bardghji.