Barcelona has begun a bold new chapter under iconic former player Xavi, who took over as head coach from Ronald Koeman earlier this month.
The 41-year-old held an impressive maiden press conference in his new post, having earned managerial experience at Al Sadd before making an emotional homecoming to Camp Nou.
During his introduction as Barcelona’s new head coach, Xavi Hernández underlined the importance of “discipline and high standards” during his time at the Camp Nou. As part of that commitment, the great former midfielder will implement a set of rules he learned during his playing career.
Xavi has only been in his new post for a few days, but he has already established a set of ten rules that must be followed by everyone at the club.
So, what are these 10 rules?
1. Players must arrive 90 minutes before training starts
Barcelona’s training sessions will start at 11 a.m, although players will no longer be able to enter the changing room after 10 a.m.
Xavi has requested that all players attend by 9:30 a.m. at the latest so that they can properly prepare for the session, have a peaceful breakfast, and have one-on-one conversations with the coaching staff if necessary.
2. Staff must arrive two hours before training starts
Xavi understands how critical it is for him and his coaching staff to lead by example. As a result, they will all arrive at the training facility at least two hours before the start of the session.
This ensures that players are prepared to begin their session at 11 a.m.
3. Players must eat at the club’s training ground
Xavi will make sure that every member of the first team eats in the Ciutat Esportiva’s dining area since a proper diet can help prevent injuries and boost physical preparations.
Players will no longer be free to choose where they eat, and nutritionists from Barça will be in charge of monitoring what they consume.
4. Fines have returned
After Luis Enrique’s departure in 2017, fines for minor, major, and extremely serious misdemeanors were abolished. Footballers, it was assumed, are professional enough to know how to behave.
Xavi, on the other hand, watched how the Barcelona squad benefited after Pep Guardiola replaced Frank Rijkaard in 2008 and implemented tough sanctions.
5. Fines will be doubled each time for the same misdemeanor
Each time a player is found guilty of the same offense, their penalty will be doubled. If a player is late for a training session, for example, he will be fined €100 at first. The second time, it will be €200, the third time, €400, and so on.
Some fines totaled €6,000 during Enrique’s tenure as manager of the Catalan club.
6. Players must be home before midnight two days before a game
When Barcelona has a match, players must arrive at home 48 hours ahead of time.
This will ensure that every member of the squad is in the best possible shape when they arrive at games. One of Xavi’s non-negotiable requests is supposed to be this.
7. Players must give their all in training
During training sessions, Xavi will expect each player to give their all. Those who do not demonstrate a strong work ethic will be benched or cut from the team entirely. In training, players must compete equally as fiercely as they do in games.
8. Players’ off-field activities will be monitored
Although it is normal for Barcelona’s players to enjoy their spare time, Xavi does not allow players to take private jet excursions that last several hours during the season without his consent.
Players will be supervised by the club’s coaching staff if their off-field activities begin to impair their performance.
9. ‘Risky’ activities are no longer acceptable
Players will no longer be allowed to engage in ‘high-risk’ hobbies like surfing or riding an electric bike. Those who disobey this guideline risk breaching their contracts, which could result in harsh consequences.
10. A good image is essential
In public, players and coaches must set an example. They must always be sympathetic with fans and follow the norms of conduct.
Sources: Give Me Sports, AS English, MSN