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.
You rarely come across the complete footballer, but Scholes is as close to it as you can get. One of my regrets is that the opportunity to play alongside him never presented itself during my career.
When I wear the national team shirt, its sole contact with my skin makes it stand on an end.
I'm very proud of our NHL players. I think they all handle themselves extremely well and they all work really hard.
Tennis is mostly mental. You win or lose the match before you even go out there.
Sports are a great place to show that equality can happen.
I'd rather be two strokes ahead going into the last day than two strokes behind. Having said that, it's probably easier to win coming from behind. There is no fear in chasing. There is fear in being chased.
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