Xavi starts with tall order; introduces six rules to Barca’s dressing room

New Barcelona boss, Xavier Hernández Creus is set to introduce six new rules to the dressing room including no more private trips for ex-teammate Gerard Pique.

The former Catalan giants’ midfielder was officially announced as Ronald Koeman’s successor in the early hours of Saturday morning.

And he is set to immediately make his mark as Barcelona coach by implementing a number of strict rules.

Xavi appears to have banned his old teammate Pique from private trips less than one week after he seemed to break coronavirus rules by wearing his mask incorrectly on a flight to Madrid.

The defender has previously been on planes after letting off a stink bomb during a flight in 2014.

Another rule Xavi is set to implement is more hours at training, an intention that was evident on Tuesday when the Barca players arrived two hours early for their new manager’s first session.

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There will be no personal training as the ex-Spanish international looks to bring the team together.

Medical services will be renewed, while he is also insisting their playing style is not up for discussion.

Xavi is a product of Pep Guardiola’s 4-3-3 philosophy and is expected to set up like that from the outset.

And he also hopes to ensure the club have more control over the players’ social medial accounts moving forward.

After being unveiled as the new Barca manager, Xavi said: “I think at first, it’s important that we put rules in place and be more demanding with ourselves.

“After that, we can talk about values, about respect and attitude, because if we don’t have values, we don’t have a team. Then we can look at the model, how we play, how we attack, how we defend.

“At the end of the day, the idea is the same as [Johan] Cruyff’s. My first defender is the striker, and my first attacker is the goalkeeper. We have to work tactically, press high and dominate the ball.

“It’s not about being tough but having rules. I will try to help the players, personally and professionally. I know how taxing it is psychologically to play for this club.”

Barcelona spurned a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Celta Vigo at the weekend.

They currently sit ninth in the LaLiga table with just four wins from their opening 12 matches.