QuoteProject
Football is a simple game based on the giving and taking of passes, of controlling the ball and of making yourself available to receive a pass. It is terribly simple.
Bill Shankly
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Football is fundamentally about teamwork and positioning to receive and pass the ball effectively.

In this quote, Bill Shankly simplifies football to its core principles, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, ball control, and the necessity of being available as a teammate. He highlights that despite the complexities and strategies involved, the essence of the game lies in these basic interactions between players.

Themes

FootballTeamworkPassesGameStrategy

In practice

Example use cases

During a team meeting, a coach might use this quote to emphasize the importance of collaboration.

More from Bill Shankly

Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.
Bill ShanklyRead
The trouble with referees is that they know the rules, but they do not know the game.
Bill ShanklyRead
If you're not sure what to do with the ball, just pop it in the net and we'll discuss your options afterwards.
Bill ShanklyRead
Fire in your belly comes from pride and passion in wearing the red shirt. We don't need to motivate players because each of them is responsible for the performance of the team as a whole. The status of Liverpool's players keeps them motivated.
Bill ShanklyRead
Football (soccer) is a matter of life and death, except more important.
Bill ShanklyRead
One day in 1959, when Huddersfield were playing Cardiff City, Tom (T.V.) Williams, who was then chairman of Liverpool, and Harry Latham, a director, came down the slope at Leeds Road to see me. _x000D_ Mr Williams said, 'How would you like to manage the best club in the country?' _x000D_ 'Why, is Matt Busby packing it up?' I asked.
Bill ShanklyRead

Similar quotes

Gymnastics should be popular everywhere; you just need the right person to start the right programme.
Nadia ComaneciRead
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.
Jack NicklausRead
I couldn't ask for better teammates, and the Pirate fans are the greatest in baseball.
Roberto ClementeRead
In 1960 when Pittsburgh beat us in the World Series, we outscored them 55-27. It was the only time I think the better team lost. I was so disappointed I cried on the plane ride home.
Mickey MantleRead
It seems like people want to blame me for everything. Whenever any issue arises, I'm said to have been involved even if I've had nothing to do with it. That's why I always focus on what I know, which is playing football, and try to be very careful with what I say because people always try and twist things.
Lionel MessiRead
I have loved football as an almost mythic game since I was in the fourth grade. To me, the game wasn't even grounded in reality. The uniform turned you into a warrior. Being on a team, the mythology of physical combat, the struggle against the elements, the narrative of the game.
Steve SabolRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.