Latest news with #JordiCruyff
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Former Barcelona sporting director reflects on his tenure at Barça – 'There were stressful nights'
Barcelona have never been strangers to turmoil, but the 2021–2023 period was one of the most fragile and defining chapters in the club's modern history. Amid the financial chaos, tactical overhauls and emotional exits. Jordi Cruyff served as Barcelona's sporting director. Now, a year after stepping away, he's opened up in an interview with Diario SPORT about the behind-the-scenes reality of rebuilding a broken giant. Cryuff on rebuilding Barça and key exits For Cruyff, the mission was always clear: Modernise the club while respecting its soul. 'The challenge was to evolve without losing Barça's essence: attacking football, La Masia, and smart signings.' He admitted the club had no financial muscle and had to adapt their recruitment model. 'Without fair play, you look for players who are affordable and ready. Premier League loans helped because they bring rhythm and personality.' Cruyff played a key role in shaping the team that won La Liga under Xavi. He underlined how the team had to shift gears after Messi's exit. 'Before, you gave Leo the ball. Without him, transitions hurt us more. The game got more physical and vertical.' The exits forced Barcelona to target new profiles. 'That's why we brought in Raphinha, Christensen, Kounde, and Kessie. They were ready to compete instantly.' Letting go of legends was one of the toughest parts. 'It was hard talking to legends who had won everything. But they were elegant and generous. People don't know the financial sacrifices they made.' Lionel Messi's exit was a huge sentimental blow for Barcelona (Photo by) One of the most emotional goodbyes was Aubameyang. 'He brought goals, joy, and connected with the fans. That goodbye hurt.' Cruyff on Xabi, Yamal and Cubarsi Cruyff also touched on some strategic decisions, including the timing of Xavi's appointment. 'We needed someone with conviction. Xavi had it. He didn't hesitate.' He praised the coach for his belief in youth. 'We didn't expect a league title so soon. But the team played like veterans.' The youth generation, Cruyff believes, holds the key to the club's future. 'What Cubarsí does at 17. It's outrageous.' He added, 'Yamal has magic, and Fermin grew rapidly. That generation gives you goosebumps. 'You don't buy talent like this. You raise it.' Not every decision went to plan, and Cruyff acknowledges that. 'Not everything is a success. You plan well, but football has its own logic.' Still, he is confident that the work done was for the club's long-term benefit. 'We always tried to do what was best for Barça, even if it wasn't popular.' Among the quiet but important signings, Inigo Martínez stood out. 'In the locker room, he lifts you when you're down and grounds you when your head's too high. That's leadership.' On Lewandowski, he said: 'He made life easier. It was his dream to play for Barça, and he gave us goals and example.' Jordi Cruyff hails Lewandowski's impact (Photo by) Cruyff also spoke candidly about leaving Barcelona after winning the league. 'When the title was won, I told myself: 'That's it, I'm happy.' My dream was to help Barça during a transition.' Cruyff also reflected on the transition of sporting duties, as he stepped away and Deco took full charge. 'I was happy with Deco coming in. He has experience, connections, and sees football clearly.' He insisted that his own departure was not sudden or forced. 'It was the plan. We won the league, and I felt I had done my part.' The job wasn't without its toll. 'There were stressful nights, last-minute calls, doubts. But when you win the league and see the team grow, it's all worth it.' As Barcelona begins a new chapter under Hansi Flick, Jordi Cruyff's influence was key and serves as the DNA of the squad as it looks to now conquer Europe heading into the new season.
Al-Ahram Weekly
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Saudi Arabia to face Indonesia and Iraq in World Cup qualifying - World
Coached by former Barcelona star and Dutch great Kluivert, Indonesia will play hosts Saudi Arabia and Iraq in Group B of the fourth round of Asian qualifying for the 2026 finals. Qatar will host Group A and face the United Arab Emirates and Oman after the six-team draw took place at the Asian Football Confederation's headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. Matches in both groups will be played in a single round-robin format in October in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The two group winners will join the six Asian nations already qualified for next year's global showpiece in Mexico, the United States and Canada. The two second-placed teams will meet in November, with the winner over two legs entering an intercontinental playoff for the final spot at the 48-team World Cup. Indonesia have embarked on a recruitment drive of Dutch-born players and backroom staff to bolster their bid for a first World Cup finals berth since becoming an independent nation. Jordi Cruyff, son of Dutch football legend Johan, was in February appointed technical adviser to the Football Association of Indonesia to work alongside Kluivert. Indonesia last qualified for a World Cup while still under Dutch colonial rule and lost 6-0 to Hungary in their only match of that tournament, hosted by France. They will face a difficult task against Middle East giants Saudi Arabia, who have home advantage and will be heavily favoured to top Group B. The Saudis have qualified for the World Cup on seven previous occasions including the last two editions. Iraq have only qualified once in their history, in 1986. Qatar hosted the last World Cup in 2022 on their only appearance in the finals and will be favourites to top Group A at home. The United Arab Emirates reached the World Cup one time, in 1990, while Oman have never qualified. Australia, Japan, Jordan, Iran, South Korea and Uzbekistan have already secured their World Cup berths from the Asian confederation. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kluivert's Indonesia to face Saudi Arabia in World Cup qualifying
Patrick Kuivert's Indonesia were on Thursday handed a tough draw for the final round of Asian qualifying as they try to reach the World Cup finals for the first time since 1938. Coached by former Barcelona star and Dutch great Kluivert, Indonesia will play hosts Saudi Arabia and Iraq in Group B of the fourth round of Asian qualifying for the 2026 finals. Qatar will host Group A and face the United Arab Emirates and Oman after the six-team draw took place at the Asian Football Confederation's headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. Matches in both groups will be played in a single round-robin format in October in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The two group winners will join the six Asian nations already qualified for next year's global showpiece in Mexico, the United States and Canada. The two second-placed teams will meet in November, with the winner over two legs entering an intercontinental playoff for the final spot at the 48-team World Cup. Indonesia have embarked on a recruitment drive of Dutch-born players and backroom staff to bolster their bid for a first World Cup finals berth since becoming an independent nation. Jordi Cruyff, son of Dutch football legend Johan, was in February appointed technical adviser to the Football Association of Indonesia to work alongside Kluivert. Indonesia last qualified for a World Cup while still under Dutch colonial rule and lost 6-0 to Hungary in their only match of that tournament, hosted by France. They will face a difficult task against Middle East giants Saudi Arabia, who have home advantage and will be heavily favoured to top Group B. The Saudis have qualified for the World Cup on seven previous occasions including the last two editions. Iraq have only qualified once in their history, in 1986. Qatar hosted the last World Cup in 2022 on their only appearance in the finals and will be favourites to top Group A at home. The United Arab Emirates reached the World Cup one time, in 1990, while Oman have never qualified. Australia, Japan, Jordan, Iran, South Korea and Uzbekistan have already secured their World Cup berths from the Asian confederation. jhe/dh
France 24
17-07-2025
- Sport
- France 24
Kluivert's Indonesia to face Saudi Arabia in World Cup qualifying
Coached by former Barcelona star and Dutch great Kluivert, Indonesia will play hosts Saudi Arabia and Iraq in Group B of the fourth round of Asian qualifying for the 2026 finals. Qatar will host Group A and face the United Arab Emirates and Oman after the six-team draw took place at the Asian Football Confederation's headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. Matches in both groups will be played in a single round-robin format in October in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The two group winners will join the six Asian nations already qualified for next year's global showpiece in Mexico, the United States and Canada. The two second-placed teams will meet in November, with the winner over two legs entering an intercontinental playoff for the final spot at the 48-team World Cup. Indonesia have embarked on a recruitment drive of Dutch-born players and backroom staff to bolster their bid for a first World Cup finals berth since becoming an independent nation. Jordi Cruyff, son of Dutch football legend Johan, was in February appointed technical adviser to the Football Association of Indonesia to work alongside Kluivert. Indonesia last qualified for a World Cup while still under Dutch colonial rule and lost 6-0 to Hungary in their only match of that tournament, hosted by France. They will face a difficult task against Middle East giants Saudi Arabia, who have home advantage and will be heavily favoured to top Group B. The Saudis have qualified for the World Cup on seven previous occasions including the last two editions. Iraq have only qualified once in their history, in 1986. Qatar hosted the last World Cup in 2022 on their only appearance in the finals and will be favourites to top Group A at home. The United Arab Emirates reached the World Cup one time, in 1990, while Oman have never qualified.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kluivert's Indonesia to face Saudi Arabia in World Cup qualifying
Patrick Kuivert's Indonesia were on Thursday handed a tough draw for the final round of Asian qualifying as they try to reach the World Cup finals for the first time since 1938. Coached by former Barcelona star and Dutch great Kluivert, Indonesia will play hosts Saudi Arabia and Iraq in Group B of the fourth round of Asian qualifying for the 2026 finals. Qatar will host Group A and face the United Arab Emirates and Oman after the six-team draw took place at the Asian Football Confederation's headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. Matches in both groups will be played in a single round-robin format in October in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The two group winners will join the six Asian nations already qualified for next year's global showpiece in Mexico, the United States and Canada. The two second-placed teams will meet in November, with the winner over two legs entering an intercontinental playoff for the final spot at the 48-team World Cup. Indonesia have embarked on a recruitment drive of Dutch-born players and backroom staff to bolster their bid for a first World Cup finals berth since becoming an independent nation. Jordi Cruyff, son of Dutch football legend Johan, was in February appointed technical adviser to the Football Association of Indonesia to work alongside Kluivert. Indonesia last qualified for a World Cup while still under Dutch colonial rule and lost 6-0 to Hungary in their only match of that tournament, hosted by France. They will face a difficult task against Middle East giants Saudi Arabia, who have home advantage and will be heavily favoured to top Group B. The Saudis have qualified for the World Cup on seven previous occasions including the last two editions. Iraq have only qualified once in their history, in 1986. Qatar hosted the last World Cup in 2022 on their only appearance in the finals and will be favourites to top Group A at home. The United Arab Emirates reached the World Cup one time, in 1990, while Oman have never qualified. Australia, Japan, Jordan, Iran, South Korea and Uzbekistan have already secured their World Cup berths from the Asian confederation. jhe/dh
