Gerardo Martino Quotes

For me, David Silva is a fantastic player because his technique is incredible, and he understands when the right time to pass the ball is.

Jorginho is really suitable to the way I like to play. He is a player that has many good sides to him. He wants to work hard, and he's very fast in moving the ball, which is important for us, although there is also Cesc Fabregas, who has the same potential as Jorginho.

Centre-backs with good technique can move the ball forward, even when under pressure.

English football is so physical and fast that when you see a space, you have to go into it with all your speed.

Playing in midfield is a different ball game. You have to be on the half-turn all the time, have a different picture in your head of what is behind you and in front of you. Playing at right-back is different again.

The way children are taught football doesn't encourage skill; the focus is on other areas.

I'm not someone who can do 10 stepovers or backheels - I'm not very interested in that. I'm more fascinated by the simplicity of play because the thing that makes this sport so beautiful.

If Lukaku is not as good as others with his first touch, then give him a ball that he can handle.

I like to control the ball and analyse the game.

Football's always been cerebral. The most important thing is thinking fast.

I think I can improve in my attacking role, I can do more.

I like to create chances, to shoot when I play farther forward, but I also like playing deeper, as you have more time on the ball.

When you play eleven a side, you might go through a game with very few touches, but with street football, you're always involved in the game, so it is a great way to improve your skill and to learn how to create and use space, as the pitch is very small.

The evolution of football has seen a reduction in the space between the teams. It is therefore important for the modern footballer to react and be quicker than in the past, because there is more happening in the restricted space.

Smaller players in the Premier League are very good at using their bodies and that's what I will continue to do.

I still play my fast-paced style but when the game slows down it allows you to see the little things - the right passes, where to lay the ball up.

The hardest thing to coach is scoring goals and creativity.

Jorginho is not a physical player, he is a technical player, but the most important quality is that he is very quick in the mind. He has the ability to move the ball very quickIy.

It is up to me to adapt and to continue to surprise with my positioning, the timing of my runs, the trajectories, when I call for the ball.

I've never been blessed with height, strength and power so I've had to learn how to play differently from a young age, my game was all based on technique and when I look at players like Xavi and Iniesta they were always players I modelled myself on.

To score goals, you need to receive the ball in advantageous positions.

If the opponents are really clammed up, you need to pass around them. If they leave gaps, you pass between the lines.

Guardiola has helped me so when I receive the ball, I have space.

To be useful in defence, to win back the ball, you don't always have to go sliding into the tackle. It's also about your positioning; sometimes all you have to do is take a step back.

When I used to play against Bayern, Xabi Alonso always used to give me a really hard time. He was so experienced... he made me suffer. The way he'd keep switching play just meant that you could never stop running. He was very intelligent.