Michael Laudrup

“I don't think people can imagine a Liverpool team without Gerrard. It is like Raul at Real Madrid and Puyol at Barcelona. They are a rare breed, these types of players.”

“For me, possession is to keep the ball while you are waiting for the possibility to penetrate. Every pass is for a reason.”

“We have to let them grow, because young players can always improve. That goes for Jack Wilshere, too.”

“I don't like to make comparisons, as it's different coaching a Spanish team to coaching a German or English team. Each country has their style, more or less, and within each country, they have different styles.”

“I would rather have a job where I can look up in the table, not downwards.”

“It's always flattering when others are talking about you.”

“At Brondby, we had Daniel Agger, who came up from the youth. He had two years in the team, and then we sold him to Liverpool for nearly £7 million, which is a lot of money in Denmark. As a manager, that gives you even greater satisfaction that winning something as a player.”

“As a manager, you always want as many players available as possible, but injuries are a part of football, as it is a contact sport.”

“I played the way I did it because I knew it was effective. My intention was to win always, not to gain applause.”