Skip to main content

Cruyff hints at end to coaching career

"I don't think I'll return to coaching any more, I don't see myself on another bench, although I always do too many things and I won't be bored," the 65-year-old Dutchman told reporters after the match in Barcelona.

Cruyff turned to coaching after a brilliant playing career in his native Netherlands for Ajax and in Spain for Barcelona and he is one of only four men along with Michel Platini, Marco van Basten and Lionel Messi to win three World Player of the Year awards.

He led Barca to their first European Cup triumph in 1992 and is considered one of the creators of the attacking style of play known as "total football" that sets the current Barca side apart from their rivals.

"Pep Guardiola would be the ideal coach but he is still very young for that," Cruyff said of the 41-year-old, who is taking time off after four successful years leading Barca.

"It seems now he will go and coach in England and if that's the case he won't have the time at this time of year to take charge of Catalonia," Cruyff added.