Quotes from Frank Rijkaard

We can be confident about our qualities, but the qualities need something to come out.

I had a lot of success, of course, but whatever was achieved was due to a group effort on the part of all the players.

There are coaches with habits you don't like, and you tell yourself, 'I don't want to be like that.' But there's no one way to success.

The situation with Anders Frisk is clear: he was threatened by the supporters of Chelsea, and he retired because he was in fear. This is serious.

As a player, you are more concerned with the moments when you have possession of the ball or are about to receive the ball. You are watching your team-mates and trying to decide what the possibilities are.

The evolution of football has seen a reduction in the space between the teams. It is therefore important for the modern footballer to react and be quicker than in the past, because there is more happening in the restricted space.

In the end, every coach wants the same - that's to win.

It is always a shame when players are injured.

Pavarotti is not judged on how he sings in the shower. People wait until he gets on stage.

I have a great deal of respect for Sir Alex Ferguson. He has done a great job. Without any doubt, he is one of the best and most influential around. He is the embodiment of football.

Manchester United is a world-famous club, and yet if you say, 'Manchester United,' then immediately you think of Sir Alex Ferguson. To have achieved so much and have so much importance at such a big club is extremely rare.

I was once in charge of the Dutch team - and then I was introduced to club football!

No person is the same, and so you can't treat each player identically.

Without a doubt, it is easier to produce a defensive soccer team, because it does not need you to have talent for it but simply to be well organised.

As a young centre-back at Ajax, I played with Wim Jansen, and of course you learn a huge amount. I made some mistakes, because we Dutchmen want to solve situations by playing football. So we look at the ball, try to judge where it will come.

We have to remember, Mourinho worked at Barcelona. He has good memories of Barcelona. The club did well when he was here.

I see a lot of fouls on Messi, and he's not the type to overreact.

It would not be honest if I did a review, because I've worked with Leo Messi, whom I consider the best player I've seen. I cannot comment or compare with Cristiano Ronaldo because I have not worked with him. That is not to say that I do not have as much respect for Cristiano as a footballer.

At Barcelona, I was exposed to talent. You had Ronaldinho, who was a marvel to watch. Deco is skilful and talented. Then there are players like Xavi, a good and hardworking man who gave his all. Iniesta is another. Then the name of Messi will come up in that list.

Losing against rivals is always a blow to the morale.

The national team means you have the nation behind it.

I am completely uninterested in playing beautiful football if the team doesn't win.

He's an incredible person. Messi is not simply a uniquely talented footballer. He's also strong mentally, very bright, and exceptionally dedicated to his job. Personally speaking, I enjoy watching him play, and I'm deeply proud of him and what he has achieved. Quite simply, he's the best.

My aim is to get the team to work hard and stay strong together.