Playing football is very simple, but playing simple football is the hardest thing there is.
Johan CruijffThe hardest thing about an easy match is making a weak opponent play poor. A poor player isn't poor because he tends to kick the ball in his own goal. It's because when you put intense pressure on him, he loses control. So you have to increase the tempo of the game and he'll automatically give the ball away.
Johan CruijffIn small space a player has to be capable of acting quickly. A good player who needs too much time can suddenly become a poor player.
Johan CruijffIf my forward arrives in a one vs one situation, I always say: 'let him work it out.' Then my players say: But we can help him!'. My reply is: First, there's a good chance you'll only run in his way, and as a second attacker you're drawing a second defender with you, and two vs two is harder than one vs one.'
Johan Cruijff