Here’s what is expected at FC Barcelona according to an article written by superstar Thierry Henry:
Training sessions were never long, not even in pre-season, but everything was done at an intensity of 2,000 per cent.
We trained the way we were expected to play, giving every drop of energy and paying so much attention to detail.
People always go on about how good Pep’s teams are on the ball, the tricks, the flicks and the goals.
What they don’t mention is the attention given to defending and all the work involved in getting everyone in the right place — and that was developed in training.
You were expected to run all the time. If you had a break in training to get a drink, you had to run to the sidelines and run straight back on to the pitch.
There was no mucking around and no room for egos. The players had to carry the goalposts on to the pitch because he wanted us to do everything as a team . . . and in double-quick time.
Pep was surrounded by superstars but kept them all on their toes by challenging them every minute of every day.
NorCal Soccer Dad 