If you look at other countries, you see they have different values: defend more, pass the ball out more, winning is holy. In England, you could say that sport itself is holy. They say, 'Look, guys, it's about more than just winning.'
Interpretation
The quote contrasts different cultural values in sports, emphasizing the importance of the sport itself over just winning.
Johan Cruyff's quote highlights the differences in values associated with sports across various countries. It suggests that while some cultures may prioritize winning and aggressive strategies, English culture honors the spirit of the game and the experience of participation over mere victory. This illustrates a broader philosophical perspective on the nature of sport and values in society.
In practice
During a coaching seminar, one might use this quote to emphasize teaching youth athletes about sportsmanship.
Ajax is a multicultural club, and we have found that many talented immigrant players quit when they reach puberty. So we wanted to tackle this problem with someone from the same background who had come through it. And that was Edgar Davids. During one of our fights, I pointed that out to him. But it had nothing to do with his skin colour.
It's disappointing to see how football, the world's No. 1 sport, is not No. 1 when it comes to development. It seems to me that a wealth of practical football knowledge is being squandered.
Football is not about suffering. It's about enjoyment. Control the ball, be friendly with it, try to attack, try to score goals. Of course defending is part of it, but you can defend in a lot of ways.
If you take golf, you have a teacher for the drive, a teacher for the approach play, and a teacher for the putt. That's three specialist coaches for one player. In football, one coach looks after 25 players.
The most important part are the fans, that people going home are happy. It's their time off, and you should give them something to enjoy.
Football is about having the best offensive play possible. I always like to play offensive football, and nobody will convince me otherwise.
You're a slave, a bound helpless slave to one thing in the world, your imagination.
It is better to put on the brakes sooner, for some fine day you begin to understand — to pardon everything — and then where is the charm of life, if you cannot love or hate any more?
Even if torture works, what is the point of 'defending' America using a tactic that is a fundamental violation of what America ought to mean?
When we reach the outer limit of what Scripture says, it is time to stop arguing and start worshipping.
Man has his being in truth--if he sacrifices truth he sacrifices himself. Whoever betrays truth betrays himself. It is not a question of lying--but of acting against one's conviction.
One should always be drunk. That's all that matters...But with what? With wine, with poetry, or with virtue, as you chose. But get drunk.
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