Extraordinary Quotes by Johan Cruijff

If you play on possession, you don't have to defend, because there's only one ball

— Johan Cruijff

Playing football is very simple, but playing simple football is the hardest thing there is.

— Johan Cruijff

In my teams, the goalie is the first attacker, and the striker the first defender.

— Johan Cruijff

Football is simple, you're either on time, or you're too late. If you're too late then you have to leave earlier.

— Johan Cruijff

Choose the best player for every position, and you'll end up not with a strong XI, but with 11 strong 1's.

— Johan Cruijff

Actually I never make a mistake, because it takes a huge effort for me to make a mistake.

— Johan Cruijff

Italians can't win the game against you, but you can lose the game against the Italians.

— Johan Cruijff

Someone who has juggled the ball in the air during a game, after which four defenders of the opponent get the time to run…

— Johan Cruijff

YOU NEED BOTH QUALITY AND RESULTS. RESULTS WITHOUT QUALITY IS BORING; QUALITY WITHOUT RESULTS IS MEANINGLESS.

— Johan Cruijff

A counter-attack can only arise when you make a mistake. That's why there are rules. A horizontal pass? Prohibited. In my line-up there are…

— Johan Cruijff

Every trainer talks about movement, about running a lot. I say don't run so much. Football is a game you play with your brain.…

— Johan Cruijff

It is better to fail with your own vision than to fail with another man's vision.

— Johan Cruijff