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 as many lines as possible. Because you must have the option to pass the ball forward,… — Johan Cruijff Copy Share Image
I find it terrible when talents are rejected based on computer stats. Based on the criteria at Ajax now I would have been rejected. When I was 15, I couldn't kick a ball 15 meters with my left and maybe… — Johan Cruijff Copy Share Image
If you play on possession, you don't have to defend, because there's only one ball — Johan Cruijff Copy Share
Playing football is very simple, but playing simple football is the hardest thing there is. — Johan Cruijff Copy Share
In my teams, the goalie is the first attacker, and the striker the first defender. — Johan Cruijff Copy Share
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 Copy Share
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 Copy Share
Actually I never make a mistake, because it takes a huge effort for me to make a mistake. — Johan Cruijff Copy Share
Italians can't win the game against you, but you can lose the game against the Italians. — Johan Cruijff Copy Share
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 Copy Share
YOU NEED BOTH QUALITY AND RESULTS. RESULTS WITHOUT QUALITY IS BORING; QUALITY WITHOUT RESULTS IS MEANINGLESS. — Johan Cruijff Copy Share
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 Copy Share
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 Copy Share
It is better to fail with your own vision than to fail with another man's vision. — Johan Cruijff Copy Share
If my forward arrives in a one vs one situation, I always say: 'let him work it out.' Then my players say: But we… — Johan Cruijff Copy Share
After you've won something, you're no longer 100 percent, but 90 percent. It's like a bottle of carbonated water where the cap is removed… — Johan Cruijff Copy Share
