A biography for Frank Rijkaardhasn’t been written yet.
“Mourinho is a great coach, and I respect the way he works.”
“I am completely uninterested in playing beautiful football if the team doesn't win.”
“We win together, and we lose together.”
“Before we talk about stylish performance, we need to think about winning. That's the most important thing.”
“Every manager feels a responsibility to his board of directors and the public and the players.”
“It's always the losers who are complaining about a result.”
“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.”
“Dennis is something special. We are talking a lot about exciting football, and Dennis Bergkamp, I think, started with attractive football a long time ago. He was one of these players. A lot of the things he did as a football player you can compare to art.”
“I try to stay in the moment.”
“I'm grateful for everything I have achieved in football, but now I'd rather do other things, go and watch games and enjoy discussing them afterwards.”
“Ronaldinho is very happy at Barcelona.”
“Generally speaking, I think that Frank Lampard is one of the best players in international football.”
“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.”
“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.”
“I made Edgar Davids vice-captain. Nothing to do with colour, just because he was playing excellently and because he lives like an athlete.”
“The Dutch public always wants to see a team that is trying to be dominant, trying to play attractive football, and after that, hopefully, a team that is winning.”
“Africa has produced some good players.”
“From the moment Messi was introduced, we all knew he was a unique talent. I remember Deco and Ronaldinho immediately realised how special he was, and they took him under their wing.”
“Most of the clubs who have had success against Barcelona have relied on a highly organised and disciplined defence.”
“It is always a shame when players are injured.”