Arsene Wenger Quotes

Defending isn't just about tackling and heading, it's also about getting the ball down and playing - starting the attack from the back.

Rafa Benitez was keen on defending - all dropping back together if you lose the ball.

Against Chelsea, you will have periods in the game when you are right up against it, when they keep the ball. They are pretty solid the way they set their team up.

The best place to defend is in the opposition penalty box.

The only way to stop Messi is to double mark him. One player to stay on him and the other to help out.

Playing an ultra-defensive side is very difficult.

The space between keepers and defenders is referred to as the 'corridor of opportunity' - a well-hit pass in there has the goalie questioning whether to come into traffic and defenders unsure of whether or where to clear the ball.

Tactically, Italians are very strong. They are a lot into tactics: how to defend, when you lose the ball, where will you be?

The differences between the top teams in Euro 2000 are so minimal that I think you have to be very clever in defence and stop your opponents getting opportunities.

I'm always in the 'butcher' role. But the only way to stop Messi one-on-one is to foul him. Otherwise, if I'm alone, I'll only get the ball one in 20 times. I have to use other weapons, I know the best way to stop him. I know he does not like playing with his back to goal, you must be right on top of him when he gets the ball.

My Italian adventure was positive because I improved a lot in tactical terms, most of all defensively, which is something I hadn't worked on quite so much.

The defensive phase is about the team, so it's about balance.

I'm a defender, and my first job is to make the team secure at the back; that's my primary responsibility.

I like consistency in defenders.

The last thing you want as a striker is the opposing team putting all 10 players behind the ball.

Really what we've done is establish a tradition in Carolina of playing defense.

The strikers are the first defenders. And the first defender is the first striker to build from the back.

My view is that you show Messi one side or the other, and if he goes past you, he goes past you. But if he slips it through your legs, then you have to obstruct him and take the foul. Just don't ever let yourself be nutmegged.

We know it's impossible sometimes to have good defending against Cristiano Ronaldo but we want to keep the ball, with good possession, as then he can do nothing in attack.

Harry Kane is a very complicated player to stop.

When we are organised on the pitch, it is easier to play in defense.

I've pretty much adjusted to how teams play. Like when I draw two defenders, I want to make the best play possible.

Defending for a team as offensive as Real Madrid isn't that easy.

With all the talk of the 3-point line, it's still most important to build your defense inside to out.

A compact defense has always been the basis of Italy's team.