Arsene Wenger says Johan Cruyff helped “transform our game into art and pleasure for those who watch it”.
The legendary three-time Ballon d’Or winner passed away last week aged 68, having left a lasting legacy on football worldwide.
"I would say what Dutch football has created and what Cruyff has created is [the mindset of], ‘Let’s be bold enough to play offensive football'"
Arsene Wenger
Wenger says Cruyff’s philosophy had a huge impact on him and his entire generation.
“I would say what Dutch football has created and what Cruyff has created is [the mindset of], ‘Let’s be bold enough to play offensive football. And let’s defend it, no matter what happens’.
“That is a very generous idea because it starts from the fact of ‘Let’s express ourselves and let’s give pleasure to the people sitting in the stands’.
“The only respect you can give to people sitting in the stands, is to try - at least at the start - to give them some pleasure and transform our game into art and pleasure for those who watch it.
“For my generation he was an inspiration, because when we had our doubts at a young age as a coach, you could always think that you have to fight for these strong ideas.
“His leadership was certainly absolutely exceptional.”
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