Barcelona and Johan Cruyff have a story that is intertwined with each other. The Dutch football legend, Cruyff, played a crucial role in shaping Barcelona’s identity and philosophy.
His impact on the club was so immense that even after his playing days were over, he continued to influence the club as a coach and mentor. Let’s take a closer look at what Barcelona did to honor and embrace Cruyff’s legacy.
The Arrival of Cruyff
When Johan Cruyff joined Barcelona as a player in 1973, the club was going through a difficult phase. However, his arrival marked the beginning of an era that would transform Barcelona into one of the most successful clubs in the world. Cruyff brought with him not only exceptional skills but also a unique style of play that emphasized creativity, fluidity, and attacking football.
The Dream Team Era
Cruyff returned to Barcelona as a coach in 1988 and laid the foundation for what would be known as the “Dream Team.” Under his guidance, Barcelona won four consecutive La Liga titles from 1990 to 1994 and their first-ever UEFA Champions League title in 1992. The team consisted of talented players like Ronald Koeman, Hristo Stoichkov, and Pep Guardiola.
The Influence on Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola was not only a key player under Cruyff but also went on to become one of the most successful coaches in football history himself. Guardiola absorbed Cruyff’s teachings and implemented them during his tenure as Barcelona’s head coach from 2008 to 2012. His teams played possession-based football with an emphasis on quick passing and positional play.
The Adoption of Total Football
Cruyff’s influence on Barcelona extended beyond his playing and coaching days. He introduced the concept of “Total Football” to the club, a philosophy that emphasizes players’ versatility and the ability to interchange positions seamlessly during a game. This approach, combined with Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia, produced numerous talented players who would go on to represent both Barcelona and their respective national teams.
The Cruyff Turn
One of the most iconic moves in football history is the “Cruyff Turn,” a skill move created by Johan Cruyff himself. The move involves quickly changing direction by dragging the ball behind the standing leg while feinting to kick it in the opposite direction. The Cruyff Turn became synonymous with Barcelona’s style of play and is often associated with their commitment to creativity and unpredictability.
The Legacy Continues
Even after Johan Cruyff’s passing in 2016, his legacy continues to shape Barcelona. The club remains committed to playing attractive football that stays true to Cruyff’s principles. Barcelona’s current coach, Ronald Koeman, was also one of Cruyff’s disciples as a player.
- Barcelona continues to nurture young talent through La Masia, following Cruyff’s belief in developing homegrown players.
- The club has established the Johan Cruyff Foundation, which focuses on providing opportunities for underprivileged children through sports.
In conclusion, what did Barcelona do to Cruyff? They honored him by embracing his vision and philosophy both on and off the pitch.
They continue to embody his principles of attractive football and nurturing young talent. Johan Cruyff will always be remembered as an icon at Barcelona, forever etched into their history as one of their greatest influencers.