“There is no medal better than being acclaimed for your style. As a coach, my teams might have won more games if we’d played in a less adventurous way. Maybe I’d have earned a little more and the bonuses would have been bigger, but if people say that Barcelona were playing the nicest football in the world with me as coach, what more can I ask for? If you’re appearing in the World Cup final it may be the biggest occasion of your life, so why be sad and fearful? Be happy, express yourself and play. Make it special for you and for everyone watching. For the good of football, we need a team of invention, attacking ideas and style to emerge. Even if it doesn't win, it will inspire footballers of all ages everywhere. That is the greatest reward.”

— Johan Cruyff

reported in David Winner (2012). Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Football.

Adopted from Wikiquote. Last update June 3, 2021. History

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Johan Cruyff 25

Dutch association football player 1947–2016

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Johan Cruyff 25

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