Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is implementing a unique strategy to boost player performance, making nasal strips a mandatory accessory.
Following their thrilling 4-2 comeback victory against Atletico Madrid on March 16th, photos emerged of players like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha sporting the adhesive strips on their return flight.
According to the prominent Barcelona Twitter account, Actualite, Flick has made the use of nasal strips compulsory to facilitate better sleep and breathing for his squad.
These simple adhesive bands, applied across the nose, gently open nasal passages, allowing for increased airflow and oxygen intake.
This can lead to improved endurance, reduced fatigue, and faster recovery times – crucial for maintaining Barcelona’s top position in La Liga.
While the sight of players wearing nasal strips might raise eyebrows, the practice is common among elite athletes.
Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud, and sprinting icon Usain Bolt have all utilized them to enhance their performance.
For Barcelona’s players, this performance-enhancing aid comes at a relatively modest cost.
Reports indicate that a pack of these nasal strips retails for around £24.
With Barcelona currently sitting joint atop the league table with 60 points after their impressive win at the Metropolitano, Flick will be hoping this small change makes a big difference in their pursuit of the La Liga title.
