I spend the entire 90 minutes looking for space on the pitch. I'm always between the opposition's two holding midfielders and thinking, 'The defence is here, so I get the ball and I go there to where the space is.'
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of spatial awareness and positioning in soccer for effective play.
In this quote, Xavi highlights the significance of understanding and utilizing space on the soccer field. As a player, he focuses on finding gaps between defenders, positioning himself strategically to receive the ball, and making effective plays. His approach underscores the value of awareness and tactical thinking in sports, illustrating how movement and positioning can create opportunities for success.
In practice
This quote can be used in a soccer coaching clinic to teach players about positioning.
In the last 15 to 20 years the best central midfielder that I have seen — the most complete — is Scholes. I have spoken with Xabi Alonso about this many times. Scholes is a spectacular player who has everything. He can play the final pass, he can score, he is strong, he never gets knocked off the ball and he doesn’t give possession away. If he had been Spanish then maybe he would have been valued more.
In football, the result is an impostor. You can do things really, really well but not win. There's something greater than the result, more lasting - a legacy.
In futsal, you see whether a player is really talented. You notice the small details in quality, class and tactical understanding.
In England, footballers are respected more, the game is more noble, there's less cheating. Every Spaniard who goes loves it - and comes back a better player. If I had ever left, it would have been to England.
To see my country lose a football match is very hard for someone who has worn the shirt.
The only great English midfielder in my career was Paul Scholes. He had elegance in him. Others were pretenders.
Rugby is a hooligans game played by gentlemen.
As far as I'm concerned, Aaron is the best ball player of my era. He is to baseball of the last fifteen years what Joe DiMaggio was before him. He's never received the credit he's due.
When you train a massive club or little third division outfit, when you go out to play football in any situation, it is always about winning.
Blink and you miss a sprint. The 10,000 meters is lap after lap of waiting. Theatrically, the mile is just the right length: beginning, middle, end, a story unfolding.
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