The rules of Jefecito: Mascherano wants his players to read, study and… clear the table!

On the pitch they called him “El Jefecito”, the little boss, for the leadership that seemed to sprinkle from every pore. Javier Mascherano, one who has won everything with Barcelona and who has also been a protagonist with Liverpool and with the Argentine national team, stopped playing in 2020, after one last experience in Veron’s Estudiantes. But it didn’t take him too long to realize that his future was … on the other side of the fence, or on the bench. The Argentine federation has entrusted him with its Under-20 national team, usually a hotbed of talent, and the little boss has already set to work. But as he explains ASthe rules established by Mascherano have more to do with human development than with football.

RULES OF DRESSING ROOM – The Spanish newspaper in fact summarizes the rules of conduct that Mascherano has established for the young players that he will decide to summon from time to time. And although Jefecito has all the cards on the table to be able to explain football, both technically and tactically, to him, it is clear from the rules that the focus is on the person, rather than on the player. And since they are children, the teachings of the former Blaugrana can be even more formative. But what are the rules? Some are more footballing than others, such as cleaning your boots after every training session or game, leaving the locker room clean when you go out and taking communication courses, to learn how to manage relationships with the media.

BOOKS AND MEALS – But that’s not enough, because there are other rules that instead affect the everyday life of the players. Who must learn English, now fundamental in the career of any high-level player, but also study and read books during their free time when they are in retirement. Not to mention the meals. The Argentine Under-20 players are required to serve themselves lunch and dinner, avoiding the kitchen staff, but also to collect plates and tablecloths once they have finished eating. What does all this have to do with football? Maybe not much, but Mascherano has always been convinced that to become a great player you must first be a great man, that’s what the rules are for. And if something says the Jephecito … it is an order.