Claudio Bravo Quotes

I think it's a natural progression: a lot of centre-backs start wide when they're young and move inside.

On a tactical level the defensive midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation is just about the most demanding position there is.

One thing was crystal clear to me: if you're centre-back, you first of all have to perform your task.

I know if I'm playing centre-back, there are certain places where you don't give your full-back the ball - because I've been the full-back!

In my time at Milan, the club played with a 4-3-1-2 formation, and I was the player behind the two strikers. At Real, I play behind three. There is a greater defensive obligation, but I try to work around the area.

Centre-backs usually get criticised for clearing the ball long, but it's easier doing this than risking a pass. If you lose the ball at the back, it's almost a goal. Most centre-backs don't risk this kind of game, depending on the holding midfielder in front.

I played behind Phil Thompson and Alan Hansen, and they were both brilliant centre-halves.

I think I'm more than capable of playing in positions such as right-back, centre-back and centre-mid.

I've always stuck my arms behind my back anyway when trying to block a shot in the penalty area.

I like the idea of playing with a bit more tactical freedom, either in a deeper role or supporting the strikers more often.

I know Roy Hodgson very well; he rarely changes tactically.

Everything I did on the left I had to learn in a 4-4-2 system, it wasn't natural. To collect the ball on my wrong foot.

I prefer the 4-2-3-1 formation and stick to it but have my own interpretations.

You've got to be able to play in the box and play deep.

Maybe modern tactics mean that making the switch from defence to midfield is easier. Many years ago, full backs were more limited - you were just supposed to defend, and it didn't matter if you could get forward too.

I would like to do what Cristiano has done: start wide and go into the middle as a No. 10 or 9.

Firstly, I am somebody who plays in a defensive role, and we need to start with that, but then I need to bring the ball forward and help the attack.

Pep Guardiola saw me as a central player in his system, which my style of play fit into perfectly.

Regarding my position, I feel really comfortable in any position up front.

At Rennes, I played more down the left wing, but also down the right and sometimes in midfield. At Dortmund, it was the same: I alternated wings. I don't have problems with the position I'll take up.

It is an important part of the role of a centre-back to focus on building up the game and initiating moves.

Big teams want goalkeepers who are not only good on the line but good with their feet as well.

A keeper has to adjust his game to the team. If the team moves further up, he has to do the same. It's nothing I've invented.

Someone said that my coaching is a combination of Milan's defensive discipline and the Dutch propensity for attacking football, and I think that is a fair description.

I began as a striker, then became a holding midfielder, and now I'm a centre-half. I've done everything except play in goal.