Rafael Benitez Quotes

Believe me, you need good people if you want to make good players.

I believe in backing players and helping them out with their game.

Players respond to coaches who really have their best interests at heart.

Nothing is like being out there and playing and performing and winning - nothing. But to have an interest in the player? The nerves and everything that goes with it? Seeing what he's learned and how he's done it? That's the second best thing to playing. I think.

Being around people with whom you feel a connection, on many levels, not just a professional one, is very relaxing. Your ears are more open to someone who is not a cantankerous bastard.

I have had a career in which, almost without exception, every single person I've worked with has helped me.

To be successful in coaching you have to treat your team like a family. The leader needs backing from everyone.

What motivates me is connecting with people and making everybody feel loved.

Atletico was a real group of friends. We went out together, and my teammates taught me a language I did not know at all when I arrived. When I left, I cried.

I only have words of thanks to Mourinho, he has made me better. I played a lot under him and I was named player of the season with him in the dugout.

The thrill of winning or losing, or getting on the field and coaching on Saturday afternoons, that's all great. But it's the association with the players, and that's lifelong. That is the one thing you miss and you can't substitute for it.

You're getting to know these guys as people, and as players. You have to develop a rapport. They give me a lot of respect.

It always feels nice to be associated with a team you share a great bond with.

Being able to go to someone's house and have dinner with them and their family, being able to go see a movie with them, or go shopping, it makes you really care for someone and hope that they succeed. That means a lot in an on-court relationship. It creates trust.

The important thing is to be around people who will make you a better player. Otherwise, you can remain average.

I think friendship in football is a massive part of the team.

My ambition is to work to improve my players.

Coaching staff: I know there's days you look at that film and you want to kill me. I'm not playing defense, taking bad shots, getting too many techs. But you always believe that I can be the guy. Through the tough times, you guys never left my side... That's something that I really appreciate and I never want to take you guys for granted. I thank you so much for being part of my life. And not just on the basketball court, but giving me talks about growing as a man first, and a basketball player next.

There are things I miss," you said. "But if I didn't have you, I'd miss more.

Love grows from stable relationships, shared experience, loyalty, devotion, trust.

there was not much distinction between losing a friend and a lover: it was all about intimacy. One moment, you had someone to share your biggest triumph, and fatal flaws with; the next minute, you had to keep them bottled inside.

You don't win with X's and O's. What you win with is people.

Why are there men and women that while they are nigh me the sunlight expands my blood? Why when they leave me do my pennants of joy sink flat and lank?

Perry, Jeremy, Man, Just knowing that you guys look up to me, And I can help you out so much, I could pull you to the side when we're working out. And just as much as you think I'm making you better, You elevate my game.

I know he would die if you died, Luce