Cruyff Turns

Not only the begetter of the bewildering and much admired Cruyff turn, one of the game’s most creative players, managers and thinkers Johan Cruyff was a fountain of footballing wisdom! Here we feature just one trenchant aphorism per week from the beautiful game’s very own Yogi Berra (who said round about this time of year ‘It gets late early out there’. And never forget ‘It ain’t over till it’s over’)

Witty axiom (word of the day!)

Sometimes something’s got to happen before something is going to happen.

Bonus comment

If you look at other countries, you see they have different values: defend more, pass the ball out more, winning is holy. In England, you could say that sport itself is holy. They say, ‘Look, guys, it’s about more than just winning.

Here/s a third Cruyff aphorism (word of the day!)

Every disadvantage has its advantage.

Bonus comment

“For the world of football, Messi is a treasure because he is a role model for children around the world… Messi will be the player to win the most Ballons d’Or in history. He will win five, six, seven. He is incomparable.”

Here’s a second Cruyff quote regarding the simplicity of football.

Here is Cruyff’s observation, when a manager at Barcelona, on the role of the great architect in football.

‘In Spain, all 22 players make the sign of the cross before they enter the pitch. If it worked, all matches would end in draws. They don’t. Therefore, there is no God.’

You know, like Elon Musk, I can do whatever I want (at least with this website!). And so, however many there are, we aren’t going to restrict this column to the aphorisms of Johan Cruyff. I’m going to open up the column for you and for all our fans!

So if you have a witty quip or observation about football please send it to us. Go to Paddock Grumblers menu option and fill out the form sharing your very own Cruyff Turn! If we like it we’ll publish it next week and give you a mention! Instant fame!