Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has installed 10 big new rules at the club since replacing Xavi as manager.
The German coach, who has enjoyed a bright start to life at Barca, has continued some rules that were put in place by Xavi and also added a few more, according to AS.
Here are the rules that the dressing room must now adhere to:
1. Punctuality is important
Time-keeping is important to Flick. He wants players at work 90 minutes before training starts and is usually the first to arrive. Players need to be at the Ciutat Esportiva by 9.30am at the latest and are to have breakfast at the club.
2. Daily weigh in
All players are weighed every day before training. A method that was used previously by Luis Enrique. So far there have been no issues.
3. Players must eat at the canteen
Players must eat at the Ciutat Esportiva canteen with food prepared by first-team nutritionist Silvia Tremoleda. This is mandatory and there are no exceptions.
4. Match day activation session
Players now have a warm-up session on the day of the match. This was a routine that was previously stopped by Xavi but something Flick believes is “essential.”
5. Match day hotel meetings
Players must all meet at the team’s hotel on matchday, even if the game is at home. This is to avoid any last-minute problems with traffic or any other issues.
6. No more late night flights
Flick is far more careful when returning from away matches. Barca will spend the night away from home if the match kicks off at 9pm or later or if the flight time is more than 90 minutes. The boss wants his players to rest after games and not arrive home exhausted in the middle of the night.
7. Intense training sessions
Flick is known to demand intensity from his players and this is a big part of training. The sessions show the level of each player with GPS data evaluated afterwards.
8. No more fines
Flick has stopped the use of fines, previously used by Xavi, and any kind of motivational challenges. The boss considers his players to be professionals and therefore well aware when they have stepped out of line.
9. Holiday restrictions
Barca players won’t get many days off under Flick with the German not a fan of holidays. The first team will usually get one day off a week, although the coach will take advantage of international breaks to offer a bit more freedom.
10. Professional relationship with his players
Flick maintains a professional relationship with his players based on “respect and commitment.” He is always available to his players if they need to talk to him, tries to be fair and will not “tolerate interference.”
