SPORT: Flick’s fines enforce discipline; no Barça player dares late

According to Diario Sport, in an effort to enforce discipline, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has implemented a fine system with a maximum penalty of €40,000. This measure has proven highly effective, ensuring that no one in the locker room dares to be even a second late.

Reports indicate that Ferran Torres and Pedri, during a recent appearance on Spanish television channel Antena 3, inadvertently revealed details of head coach Hansi Flick's strict disciplinary practices within the team.

This season, Barcelona has undergone a radical transformation, not only in tactics but also profoundly in its spirit and management system. The German coach's rigorous approach has permeated every corner of the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. The team's achievements on the field are undeniable, but the true cornerstone of this success lies in an unshakeable set of ironclad rules—regardless of whether you are a veteran or a rising star, everyone is equal before discipline.

In the interview, Pedri and Ferran explained in detail the fundamental changes to the team's disciplinary system. While last season, lateness might have resulted in a player missing the next match (as Koundé and others experienced), now Flick has chosen a more direct and effective method—hefty fines.

Pedri confirmed the existence of the fine system, while Ferran Torres further explained the penalty standards, especially for being late on important occasions like match days, where the fine could reach as high as €40,000. Ferran also jokingly discussed the team's strictness regarding time: "I can't even imagine how much you'd be fined for being 20 minutes late...you might have to send him a picture of ibuprofen (meaning lying about being sick) to appease him." He said with a laugh, while clearly stating that under Flick, any slight delay would be punished.

"Now nobody dares to be late even a second late."

This topic even carried over to the pre-match press conference against Villarreal. When asked about the fine system, Flick didn't shy away from it, but instead jokingly revealed the reasons for the current measures.

He frankly admitted that the old system put immense pressure on him: "(Watching the clock) was too difficult for me. I was under tremendous pressure, always having to keep an eye on the clock, counting down the seconds… just 45 or 60 seconds before training started. It was torture for me because I had to make the decision that whoever was late couldn't play."

To solve this problem, the German coach chose to delegate authority to the captains: "I talked to them (the captains) and let them decide how to punish them. So far, no one has been late even a second. It was the right decision."

All indications suggest that this highly effective system is working perfectly.

After all, losing money is a painful experience, and Flick's "soldiers" clearly didn't want to risk losing their salaries. The coach firmly believed he had made the right change, and the results—both the players' punctuality and their performance on the field—have consistently proven him right.