Ronald Koeman Quotes

The thing about being a striker is you need to be lightning-fast.

The thing that makes the great players great, and that separates players from different players is, when you going out there whether being prepared or not, you have to react. And if you're thinking, you're already a step behind.

Only great players can have two shots for one ball, like Tendulkar does, and a big reason is that he picks the ball very early.

I think I proved that I was a polished receiver.

Nobody can stay in front of me, plus I'm strong, so I can get to the hole and finish at the same time.

I feel like I'm quick enough, and on my day, I can be dangerous in the box.

I had not so much talent. I was a striker who could score, but running was not my main goal.

I've always said I have very good timing. It is underestimated when you are outside the ring but once you get inside the ring with me, I'm a step ahead.

They're elite athletes. They're amazing athletes. That's why I love football. I mean, it's incredible to me to see them go out for an unbelievable pass and actually make the catch. It's just an amazing game of athleticism and skill. They're different; there's no question. They're huge, they're fast, and they're all these wonderful things.

I really try to pride myself on route running, catching and being able to be a mismatch anywhere on the field.

It's not always about reach, it's about footwork, it's being fast, in and out, stuff like that.

I have to be ready: I am focused, physically fit, ready to get in a car and go fast.

Over the years, you get better at timing because you've been through the situations thousands of times. The ball goes over your head; he passes you on the right, left. Eventually, you just know what you have to do.

Sancho is a player who has everything. He has fantastic speed, great technique, a good eye for his colleagues, and that key pass. Everything he does, he pulls off at high speed at the right moment. For me, he is a perfect player. The ability he has is instinctive, natural. You cannot teach that brilliance.

Tennis always fascinated me, because it made every demand: technology, tactics, physique, endurance. The competition of one against one has a very special charm.

Fighting Manny Pacquiao is like playing a very fast game of chess. He was very fast and sharp. You have to be alert at all times and on your toes. There was a lot of incoming.

There is nothing more important than staying alert, reading your opponent, that counts for both inside and outside the ring.

I was certainly no Maradona. I was a very fast player. When I saw a space, I used it. When I went past somebody, he didn't catch up with me again. I was a player who came with a run-up. What Maradona could see in a small space, I saw over long distances.

Defending is mostly about focus.

I try to pride myself in having really quick feet and being able to set up and throw balls in time.

Once I get a rhythm going, I can jump those hot dogs down.

I could get better at baserunning.

I learned how to defend the ball with my body and to be faster than my opponents.

If you look at all the great shot-blockers of all time, they had length, and they had instincts. Even when you look at guards, like Dwyane Wade. He's one of the best shot-blocking guards ever, and he has great instincts. He's kind of cat-like.

We can only stop Cristiano Ronaldo as a team. In front of goal, he's like a machine. You can't shut him out completely; he always gets his chances in a game because of the lines he runs and his excellent timing.