'Flick's Handbook': Barcelona Head Coach Imposes New 'Lifestyle Rules' For Players
Flick has introduced a rule focusing on players' lifestyles after widespread criticism of Lamine Yamal's 18th birthday party, with the German taking a stricter view on partying.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick, who is known to be a strict disciplinarian, has added a new rule to his existing handbook for the Blaugrana players to follow as the German has taken a stricter view on partying after widespread criticism of teenager Lamine Yamal's extravagant birthday party did the rounds recently.
Flick's 10 Rules for Players
When Flick arrived at Barcelona, he introduced 10 rules to raise professionalism in the squad. Players must arrive 90 minutes before training and undergo daily weight checks. Everyone must eat in the team canteen, and on matchdays, the squad takes part in morning warm-ups before meeting at the team hotel.
Late-night flights after evening games are banned, with players staying overnight instead. Flick also demands 90-minute intense training sessions, often keeping players at the training ground for five hours a day. Rest days between games are reduced to prioritise training.
The German coach replaced fines with personal motivation and keeps a professional rather than a friendly relationship with players.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Flick has now introduced an 11th rule focused on players' lifestyles. After criticism of youngster Lamine Yamal's 18th birthday party, Flick will take a stricter view on partying and off-field distractions. He wants players to show more discretion in their social activities and focus fully on football.
Christmas parties will be minimised, and Flick will monitor commercial work that could disrupt first-team schedules.
Rashford's Past Issues
Marcus Rashford has completed a season-long loan move from Manchester United to Barcelona. The 27-year-old forward called the transfer a 'dream move" and wished United well for the upcoming Premier League season. Rashford had fallen out of favour under new United boss Ruben Amorim and spent the previous season on loan at Aston Villa.
Now, Rashford will play under Barcelona manager Flick, who led the club to the La Liga title in his first season in charge. The English star may be in for a culture shock as Flick is known for his strict rules and high standards.
Rashford has faced criticism in England for his off-field activities. In 2023, he apologised to then-United boss Erik ten Hag after holding a birthday party hours after a 3-0 loss to Manchester City. In 2024, he was reported to have gone out in Belfast before missing training ahead of an FA Cup match.
Rashford's move to Barcelona comes with a clear message: focus on football first. With Flick's strict rules, Rashford's life in Spain is set to be very different from that in England.
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