Coach's Decision Quotes

I could never understand why they did that to Barry Sanders in Detroit. I know that's one of the reasons why he retired, because they took him out on third down and let someone else catch the ball. I thought they must be out of their mind because Barry is such a threat.

I would love to start if a coach considered me as a starter.

I think when you've played in a league for as long as I have, it would be foolish for a coach not to ask a player with that kind of knowledge about other players. A lot of this goes beyond the court. Are they a good teammate? Are they good in the locker room? What's their attitude like? Do they work hard?

I'm more than ready if the national team coach needs me.

Let me just be very clear: I'm just hopeful the coach doesn't dismiss me.

I would love to retire at Real Madrid, but I will not make problems if a coach does not have me.

I want to be useful for the team, depending on whatever position the coach chooses for me. That's the spirit I've always had.

I am a professional footballer, and it's a game where the coach decides where you can be most beneficial for the team. As long as I am attacking, I am happy! I know what Jose Mourinho decides will be best for me personally and for the team.

When I arrived at Benfica I'd been playing like a No. 10 in the team, but the first thing the coach did was tell me: 'You are going to be a defensive midfielder here.'

If there is anybody who feels they are not in the right frame of mind to play, then obviously, I would not play them.

This is the Italian national team; there's no need to give caps away. If the coach calls up certain players, it's because he's convinced they can give a big hand, and that's why I'm here.

It's on the pitch you have to do your talking, and it is the coach who makes the decisions, so the best I can do is show my best form.

You're always disappointed not to start for your country, but that's the gaffer's decision.

Every player wants to play more than 45 minutes, but it's the decision of the coach. You have to work hard.

I think I must play how I can, that's all. And if I play my best I'll be happy. It doesn't matter because NHL is the best league in the world and we have great players so whoever the coach puts me with is the best. The coach knows best.

I want to start every game but you have to respect the staff.

You go into training camp and you fight for jobs and often times things work themselves out. Like players just take the job, they play so well, they win it, and makes it easier on the coach to decide who is the guy that gets those minutes.

I like to play attacking, like a winger, or an attacking midfielder, so it depends on the coach, where he's looking at me for which position.

I prefer to play up front, but if the coach puts me on the wing, then that means it is better for the team, and for me, that is the most important thing.

For me, my first big heartbreak is actually sports-related. The team went out and got spanked on our home field. I'll never forget how I cried after the game, because I'd been denied the opportunity to help the team in the championship game. It was like the coach forgot what had gotten us there. So, I never got to hold the trophy or savor a state championship. And I'll never forget that first bitter heartbreak.