The 10 rules which Xavi introduced to bring the glory days back to Barcelona

Xavi Hernandez immediately introduced a slew of rules in order to bring the glory days black to Barcelona.

The 43-year-old, who captained the Blaugrana to many titles, was appointed as manager in November 2021 after the dismissal of Ronald Koeman.

Barca had lost their way and were 10th in La Liga with a mere four wins from 12 games when Xavi took the reins.

But the Spain legend has brought back the good times to the Nou Camp and led Barca to a 27th La Liga title and a first since 2019 after a 4-2 win at rivals Espanyol.

Recruitment was key given Barca's financial troubles and so too was the emergence of exciting young players like Gavi, Pedri, Alejandro Balde, who have kept up the club's long-lasting traditions.

But the job Xavi has done should not be underestimated and pivotal part of his work was to restore discipline in the dressing room.

According to The Athletic, when Xavi replaced Koeman, captain Sergio Busquets informed him that there were no rules in place.

Image: Alamy

That quickly changed as Xavi laid down the law. As per ESPN, he enforced fines for anyone who was late and ruled that the fee would double for repeat offenders.

He also introduced curfews, ensured players got to training early and ate together, as well as monitoring the off-field activity of his squad and demanding they maintain a good image.

Another interesting rule was to prohibit risky activities, a regulation broke by Riqui Puig when he drove an electric scooter on a footpath in Barcelona.

Prior to his retirement, Gerard Pique cancelled a TV appearance because Xavi wanted him to limit his various business trips away.

The rules are as follows:

1. Players must arrive 90 minutes before training start

2. Staff must arrive two hours before training starts

3. Players must eat at the club's training ground

4. Fines have returned

5. Fines will be doubled for repeat offences/offenders

6. Players must be home before midnight two days before a game

7. Players must give their all in training

8. Player's off-field activity will be monitored

9. 'Risky' activities are no longer permitted

10. A good image is essential

Explaining why he brought in the rules, Xavi said: "We have to start with new rules that are going to be strict. It's not a matter of being tough, it's about having norms.

"When we had norms in the locker room things were good, when we didn't, it went bad. So, we need to have order. Being professionals."

Topics: Xavi, Barcelona, La Liga, Real Madrid, Espanyol

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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