Barcelona forced to hire new chef after star player 'complains' to Hansi Flick over how food was being cooked

Barcelona have been forced to hire a new chef after one of their star players lodged a complaint, it has been reported.

Hansi Flick's side have lost four of their last seven games in La Liga after a strong start under their new manager.

Their poor run of form means that Barca are now behind Real Madrid and leaders Atletico Madrid in the table, with both their rivals having played a game fewer.

Soon after he took charge in the summer, former Bayern Munich boss Flick insisted on a number of new rules at Camp Nou which appeared to have played an important role in their early-season form.

Those mainly revolved around fitness and physical condition - with players even told to submit a dental report through tests carried out by a specialised dentist, as per Spanish outlet AS.

Flick's attention to detail is therefore obvious, and he has now taken a fresh step to improve Barcelona's fortunes.

According to fellow Spanish outlet SPORT, the German has placed a keen focus on player diets and has implemented strict schedules to improve performance.

It is claimed, though, that Barca star Robert Lewandowski recently complained about the way that a club chef had cooked food 'that is essential in the diet of any athlete, such as eggs'.

The report adds that Flick noted the Pole's complaint and subsequently filed a request with the Barca hierarchy to appoint a 'professional and fully-qualified chef'.

And the club have acted quickly by interviewing their preferred candidates - with one eye on their current financial situation.

Barca have had severe financial difficulties over recent years, with a Spanish court recently rejecting their request to register £51 million signing Dani Olmo for the second half of the season.

Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo pictured (Image: Getty)

La Liga have cut Barca's salary cap because of their financial status, with the club applying for permission for the Spaniard to play.

But he could now be available on a free transfer in January, with major European clubs such as Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Arsenal believed to be exploring temporary or permanent solutions for the midfielder.