I spend the entire 90 minutes looking for space on the pitch. I'm always between the opposition's two holding midfielders and thinking, 'The defence is here, so I get the ball and I go there to where the space is.'
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of spatial awareness and positioning in soccer for effective play.
In this quote, Xavi highlights the significance of understanding and utilizing space on the soccer field. As a player, he focuses on finding gaps between defenders, positioning himself strategically to receive the ball, and making effective plays. His approach underscores the value of awareness and tactical thinking in sports, illustrating how movement and positioning can create opportunities for success.
In practice
This quote can be used in a soccer coaching clinic to teach players about positioning.
In the last 15 to 20 years the best central midfielder that I have seen — the most complete — is Scholes. I have spoken with Xabi Alonso about this many times. Scholes is a spectacular player who has everything. He can play the final pass, he can score, he is strong, he never gets knocked off the ball and he doesn’t give possession away. If he had been Spanish then maybe he would have been valued more.
In football, the result is an impostor. You can do things really, really well but not win. There's something greater than the result, more lasting - a legacy.
In futsal, you see whether a player is really talented. You notice the small details in quality, class and tactical understanding.
In England, footballers are respected more, the game is more noble, there's less cheating. Every Spaniard who goes loves it - and comes back a better player. If I had ever left, it would have been to England.
We are Liverpool Football Club and the expectations are so high.
Thanks to the Polgars the adjective 'men's' before events and the 'affirmative action' women's titles such as Woman Grandmaster have become anachronisms.
And I think because of the passion of every English player and every English supporter, and every English journalist for the game, most of the game is played with passion, love for football and instinct, but in football you also have to think.
If you're in the penalty area and don't know what to do with the ball, put it in the net and we'll discuss the options later.
I was playing rugby and the other games English school children do, and there was an event in which races were run, and I won these by a considerable margin.
I was aware of how incredible the match was. Unfortunately there had to be a winner. From my point of view many left feeling sorry for me instead of being happy for Rafa. Which hurts.
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