Hansi Flick introduces 'biggest-ever fine' if Barcelona stars break strict rule
Hansi Flick has brought in a strict new rule at Barcelona which is the highest ever fine introduced by a manager at the Camp Nou.
A 3-0 win over Levante on Sunday followed up a shock 2-1 loss by Real Madrid against Osasuna the day prior, meaning Barca have returned to the top of the table after 25 games played.
The victory, achieved by goals from Marc Bernal, Frenkie de Jong and Fermin Lopez, was a welcomed one after defeats to Atletico Madrid and Girona.
Flick took the Barca job in May 2024 and led the Blaugrana to a La Liga and Copa del Rey double in his first season.
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He is renowned for being an extremely strict disciplinarian and introduced 10 strict rules as soon as he was appointed manager.
Timekeeping and avoiding lateness is such a big part of his approach and in March 2025, Jules Kounde felt the German's wrath last season when he was late for a pre-match team talk at the Torre Melina Gran Melia hotel prior to a game with Rayo Vallecano.
Barcelona players comment on Hansi Flick fine
At the time, a report from Mundo Deportivo said that the French defender was likely fined for the incident. Inaki Pena, Marcus Rashford and Raphinha have also been dropped from the starting XI for being late to a team meeting.
In a new development, it's been reported that the punishment for being late has been heavily increased.
As per Barca Blaugranes, midfielder Pedri told Spanish TV: “Regarding punctuality, we have changed it a little. If you are late, you pay a fine".
The outlet then stated that for being 10 minutes late on matchday, a €40,000 fine is issued.
Ferran Torres was also involved in the interview and added: “I can’t imagine how much money 20 minutes would be. You can now send him a photo of an ibuprofen!”
He also said that the new punishment “hurts more" and serves as quite the deterrent.
Flick has regularly spoken about how important being on time is for his players and in November 2024, said he deems being late as a "lack of respect".
"When I say 13:30 hours, it is neither 13:29 hours nor 13:31 hours," the former Bayern Munich boss said after a separate late incident involving Kounde.
"Before the game, we have two or three meetings. It is very important that the players are there, and it is not difficult to arrive on time. It's about respect for your colleagues.
"Arriving late, even by a minute, is a lack of respect for your teammates."
Barca are back in action on Saturday when the host Villarreal at the Camp Nou.
Topics: Barcelona
Josh Lawless