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.
Interpretation
Success in football isn't solely defined by winning; itβs about leaving a lasting legacy.
This quote from Xavi emphasizes that in football, like in many areas of life, achieving a result or winning is not the only measure of success. The more important aspect is the impact and legacy left behind, which can be felt long after the games have ended. It suggests that true accomplishment lies in the quality of one's contributions and the values upheld throughout one's journey, rather than merely tallying wins.
In practice
Mentioning this quote during a sports seminar to emphasize the importance of character and influence over winning.
In the last 15 to 20 years the best central midfielder that I have seen β the most complete β 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 doesnβt give possession away. If he had been Spanish then maybe he would have been valued more.
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.
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.'
In a competitive industry, only paranoid incumbents - those constantly striving for betterment - have any hope of surviving.
The one thing you can do for sure is push the luck on your side
Fame for me is like a place, a country I'm taking a tour through.
Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.
Good players create opportunities. The great players and the great people seize them
There is a kind of success that is indistinguishable from panic.
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