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.
The way I figured it, I was even with baseball and baseball with me. The game had done much for me, and I had done much for it.
Golf is a game of coordination, rhythm, and grace; women have these to a high degree.
You can't second-guess baseball. You can't second-guess yourself.
I've seen the growth of this game in this country, the stadiums that were built, the great European players that have come and the great American players who've been created. Americans want to be number one at everything. And they are at baseball, football, basketball. Soccer is growing fast, and I want to be a part of that.
To see my country lose a football match is very hard for someone who has worn the shirt.
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.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.