Marcus Rashford Opens Up on ‘Very Intense’ Pre-Season as He Adapts to Hansi Flick’s Complex Barcelona Training

Marcus Rashford has experienced many pre-seasons in his career — gruelling sessions under Manchester United managers past and present, summer tours that test both body and mind — but he admits nothing has quite compared to his first summer under Hansi Flick at Barcelona.

The England forward, who joined Barça on loan earlier this summer, says he has been pushed to the brink by Flick’s “very intense” and “complex” training methods. Speaking openly about his early days in Catalonia, Rashford revealed that the relentless pace of pre-season has left him both physically drained and mentally challenged, all while trying to adjust to life at one of the world’s most demanding clubs.

The Shock of Flick’s Demands

Rashford’s initiation into Flick’s Barcelona began on the club’s sweltering tour of Asia, where temperatures and humidity made every session a battle in itself. But according to the 26-year-old, the heat was just one layer of the challenge.

“Here, it is very intense,” Rashford explained during an appearance on The Rest Is Football podcast. “It is difficult to explain, but the pre-season has been difficult; I was tired after every workout, and the weather also played a role. Running is not difficult; it is more about practising with the ball and maintaining a consistent level. In this sense, the intensity is more complex.”

In other words, Flick’s approach isn’t simply about clocking up kilometres or hitting fitness benchmarks — it’s about sustaining a relentless tempo with the ball at your feet, mirroring the demands of a high-speed match. For Rashford, who has been used to different pre-season philosophies in England, the adjustment has been immediate and unrelenting.

A Refreshing New Challenge

Despite the physical toll, Rashford insists there’s a thrill in testing himself in a new environment. The opportunity to train and play alongside some of Europe’s most technically gifted youngsters has been a highlight of his short time in Spain.

“Honestly, it is very refreshing to be able to play with these players and play football at their own tempo, like Pedri, who I think is only 22 or 23 years old,” he said. “I hope to have a good individual season, but if I have to choose between that and winning titles, I’d choose to win titles.”

His admiration for Pedri’s composure and rhythm is clear, and it speaks to one of the biggest adjustments Rashford faces — aligning his own style to Barcelona’s trademark possession-heavy, quick-passing game. The blend of speed and precision demanded in Flick’s system is something Rashford appears eager to master.

Registration Uncertainty Looms

FC Barcelona v Como1907 – Joan Gamper Trophy rashford

While Rashford has been making strides in training, his competitive debut remains in doubt. Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently admitted there are still hurdles to overcome before the club can officially register the England international for La Liga.

“We’re working to make it happen,” Laporta said when asked about the situation. “With Marc-André ter Stegen’s decision, we have the option of registering Joan Garcia, and we’re working on the rest. This week, we’ll have news, hopefully good news, to see if we can register them before La Liga starts. And if we can’t, we have time.”

Barça’s opening fixture against Mallorca on August 16 is fast approaching, but registration rules mean the club has until the end of August to finalise paperwork for new arrivals. That leaves open the possibility that Rashford might have to wait until later in the month to make his first official appearance in blaugrana colours.

Flick’s Intensity: A Double-Edged Sword

Those familiar with Hansi Flick’s work will not be surprised by Rashford’s comments. The German coach’s success at Bayern Munich and with the German national team was built on an intense, high-pressing style that demands extraordinary fitness levels and sharpness from every player.

For new signings, especially those coming from different footballing cultures, the adaptation can be swift and brutal. Sessions under Flick are famously fast-paced, with minimal downtime, and players are expected to maintain tactical discipline even as fatigue sets in.

Rashford admits the process has been exhausting, but also energising. “It’s challenging, yes, but I feel like I’m learning something new every day,” he said. “It’s a different way of thinking about the game, and I’m enjoying that.”

Fighting for a Permanent Place

With his loan deal set to run until the end of the season, Rashford knows his performances in the early months could determine whether Barcelona move to make his stay permanent. Flick has reportedly been impressed with his willingness to adapt and embrace the team’s philosophy, but the competition for attacking spots is fierce.

Young stars like Lamine Yamal and Ansu Fati, as well as established names like Robert Lewandowski, mean Rashford will need to prove he can offer something unique to the attack. His pace, directness, and eye for goal could provide that edge, especially if he can combine them with Barça’s intricate build-up play.

Looking Ahead to the Season

Vissel Kobe v FC Barcelona – Preseason Friendly rashford

Whether Rashford’s first official match comes against Mallorca or later in August, the expectations will be high. Barcelona are under pressure to deliver both domestically and in Europe after a turbulent season, and Flick’s appointment is seen as a step towards restoring the club’s dominance.

For Rashford, the move offers both a challenge and a potential career reset. After a mixed campaign at Manchester United, a strong season in Spain — one that ends with silverware — could reshape his standing on the European stage.

“I want to contribute to the team in every way I can,” Rashford said. “The intensity is high, the standards are high, but that’s what you expect at a club like this. I’m ready to give everything.”

As the countdown to the new season continues, Rashford remains focused on the here and now — training hard, adapting fast, and earning his place in a side driven by Flick’s relentless pursuit of perfection. Whether or not he makes the Mallorca game, one thing is certain: Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona story is only just beginning.