In 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 CruijffItalians can't win the game against you, but you can lose the game against the Italians.
Johan CruijffWhat is speed? The sports press often confuses speed with insight. See, if I start running slightly earlier than someone else, I seem faster.
Johan CruijffEvery trainer talks about movement, about running a lot. I say don't run so much. Football is a game you play with your brain. You have to be in the right place at the right moment, not too early, not too late.
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