Frank Rijkaard Quotes

I think today the players are too nice to one another, but that might change with the unbalanced schedule, with teams playing each other more and more. When you face each other that much, with that much at stake, something's bound to happen.

I love the fact that I get to play against the Los Angeles Lakers in a Game 7 on the road.

Once you start feeling the pressure, you start to struggle. That is the beauty of Indo-Pak cricket contests.

Every game's a big game.

I joke that every time I'm in the playoffs, it feels like I'm in the Super Bowl.

The derby d'Italia is a very difficult match, five out of five on the scale.

Anytime I play another rookie, there's that extra edge.

Ahead of a semi-final, there is always the same buzz. You know you are very close to reaching the final, but there is no way you can relax because then you will be punished.

When big teams play each other, you automatically want to raise your game. You want to see what level you're at, and you know you have to step up.

Our two biggest rivals had adjusted their whole season to this one aim of beating us. Of course, it is a big compliment that they were so motivated to stop us but it was very tough to face two matches like that so close together. Suddenly three trophies are down to one.

We could spend time together during the day and just kind of talk and enjoy each other and enjoy the moment. But it was interesting we both knew that once you walk through the gates of that stadium, then it was on, the game was on.

Cricket is a pressure game, and when it comes to an India-Pakistan match the pressure is doubled.

Anytime you play a finalist it's going to be a challenge.

This race is hotter than a Times Square Rolex.

I love playing under pressure. In fact, if there's no pressure, then I'm not in the perfect zone.

Drama happens in big cricket matches. But also in small cricket matches.

It pumps me up - the whole idea of the bowler marking his run-up, popping at the crease, the crowd chanting, nerves building up. It's a very good feeling. Right from the first ball, I know I have to be at the top of my game.

That is why I can never walk away from wrestling because there's this moment - the bell rings and everything slips away. The path, the future. There's nothing but that moment right in front of you where the intensity is high, the risk and reward are high, and you have to enter into a mental state that doesn't allow for hesitation.

The first league game always feels different from the pre-season friendlies.

When you talk in terms of a rivalry game, it's always important for our guys to understand the history of the rivalry and the history of the game.

I spar in the gym, and I take pride in my sparring. But I'm a better fighter when the lights come on because it's right now - there is no tomorrow.

You can almost get overwhelmed if you start focusing on Serena being on the other side of the court.

That is one of the problems big teams face - their rivals always take the field very motivated, and I say this from experience.

It's the playoffs, man. If you don't get excited about the playoffs, you don't even deserve to be playing basketball.

It's Chelsea and you will always have competition for places here.