Barça increase 'surveillance' of players' additional training away from club

The various muscle injuries suffered by Barcelona players in recent months have led to increased criticism of the medical and/or recovery services at the club. Aware that they are in the spotlight, they have stepped up their supervision of the work that the players carry out outside the club. That is to say, on their own account.

Barça suffered multiple injuries during last season -- not forgetting that a remarkable number of them ocurred with the national teams. More or less deservedly, criticism of the club grew. Skepticism also grew towards the recovery processes of the injured, as some of them took steps backward when they were close to returning.

Faced with this situation, the club increased the vigilance of all its processes and mechanisms. They also intensified the monitoring of the physical work that the players carry out on their own. Although it is usually a 'taboo' subject that does not sit particularly well in the clubs, the reality is that most of the players count on their trusted people to gain muscle mass, explosiveness or whatever they consider they need to improve.

Social media

What sometimes happens is that players do not rigorously inform the club of the 'extra' activities they carry out. Partly to avoid a possible veto in case the club is not in favour of such work. So much so that many even avoid any kind of publication on social networks. Some who do, the club has asked them for information, 'inviting' them not to stray even a millimetre from everything agreed with Barça's physical trainers.

Although there is no written law, in many cases it is players with careers in other top European leagues who opt to complement club training with demanding private work.