Punctuality, Nutrition, Rehab: Mourinho's Four New Strict Rules at Real Madrid
José Mourinho has ended the era of "exceptions" at Real Madrid by imposing four strict new rules covering punctuality, injury rehabilitation and nutrition, replacing the old financial fines with punishments that directly affect playing time.
José Mourinho has wasted no time since taking charge at Real Madrid, ahead of the new La Liga season, imposing four strict disciplinary rules on his players that bring an end to what has been described as the "era of exceptions" inside the Madrid dressing room.
Punctuality above all
Players are now required to arrive a full hour before each training session begins. Mourinho has scrapped the old system of financial fines (between €200 and €300) for lateness, reasoning that they mean nothing to players on huge salaries. A player who is late is now pulled from the group session, sent to train alone in the gym, and dropped from the squad for the next match.
Nutrition and rehabilitation under control
Consultation with a nutritionist has become mandatory for all players, with the specialist defining their meals from breakfast through to snacks. Mourinho has also required injured players to carry out their rehabilitation exclusively at the club's training center, under the direct supervision of the medical staff, with no exceptions.
Team lunches
The Portuguese coach has also introduced the practice of players and staff eating lunch together at Valdebebas on training days, a habit he had already implemented during his spell in charge of Benfica.
A positive reception in the dressing room
Despite the strictness of the new rules, no notable tension has been reported within the squad, with players said to have welcomed the changes according to sources close to the club. One insider said: "He wants to foster the group, the unity, and it's proving quite inspiring. The atmosphere is very, very good."
Key takeaways
- Mourinho scrapped financial fines for lateness, replacing them with exclusion from group training and the next match.
- Nutritionist consultations are now mandatory, and injury rehabilitation takes place exclusively at the club.
- Players have reportedly welcomed the new rules despite their strictness, according to sources close to the squad.
