Argentina U20 Coach Javier Mascherano Has Created A Strict Rulebook For His Players

Javier Mascherano has established a strict 'code of conduct' in his role as Argentina U20 coach in a bid to try and educate his players, both on and off the pitch.

The former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder, who made 593 appearances during a trophy-laden career, was given his first coaching role in the Argentina set-up earlier this year.

And it didn't take long for the 37-year-old to make an impact after replacing former manager Fernando Batista, who left to join Jose Pekerman's backroom staff at the Venezuelan national team.

According to Spanish publication AS, the former West Ham, Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder has issued the following rules:

• Do your homework daily
• You must learn English
• Read books in your spare time during training camps
• Clean your boots after each training session and each game
• Get your own meals rather than relying on someone else serving them
• Clear plates and cutlery after meals
• Clean the dressing room before leaving
• Attend a communication workshop to learn how to deal with the media

Mascherano, who is Argentina's second most-capped player after appearing in four World Cups, wants to teach his squad the values of respect.

He also wants to 'normalise' the lives of his players when on international duty; all while making sure they respect the work and effort of people who are not in their position.

Mascherano is only in the early stages of his managerial career but the former Liverpool midfielder has a great advantage having worked under some of the world's best managers.

Rafael Benitez, for example, helped him become "a better player and a better person" during his spell at Anfield.

"All managers have different ways of working," Mascherano said back in 2010. "Rafa is totally different from (Argentina coach) Diego Maradona and the other managers I've had.

"For three and a half years I've been working with Rafa and I can now say I'm a better player and a better person from when I arrived here. That's down to Rafa and his staff."

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