Football is simple but the hardest thing to do is play simple football.
Johan CruijffRead
I find it terrible when talents are rejected based on computer stats. Based on the criteria at Ajax now I would have been rejected. When I was 15, I couldn't kick a ball 15 meters with my left and maybe 20 with my right. My qualities technique and vision, are not detectable by a computer.
More from Johan Cruijff
All quotes →Playing football is very simple, but playing simple football is the hardest thing there is.
Johan CruijffRead
Choose the best player for every position, and you'll end up not with a strong XI, but with 11 strong 1's.
Johan CruijffRead
If you have the ball, you must make the field as big as possible, and if you don't have the ball, you must make it as small as possible.
Johan CruijffRead
Someone who has juggled the ball in the air during a game, after which four defenders of the opponent get the time to run back, that's the player people think is great. I say he has to go to a circus.
Johan CruijffRead
Technique is not being able to juggle a ball 1000 times. Anyone can do that by practicing. Then you can work in the circus. Technique is passing the ball with one touch, with the right speed, at the right foot of your team mate.
Johan CruijffRead