The Dutch Genius Johan Cruyff’s legacy at Barca is unique. He was one of the best to grace the game and also a game-changing manager. He invented a unique philosophy at Barca, revolutionizing the club’s trajectory. This is the story of Johan Cruyff’s famous ideology and its influence at Barca.
Cruyff’ Total Football & It’s Success
The Famous Ideology: Football as Art
The Dutch maestro became Barcelona’s manager in 1988. He placed significant importance on keeping the ball- and this possession-based gameplay has ever since been instilled in the Barca genes. This philosophy was named Total Football. Cruyff can be regarded as the founder of this style of play.
Louis van Gaal and Frank Rijkaard carried forward his ideology to an extent. However, the club decided to let their youth complex, the La Masia, adopt this play style. It was a massive move as it shaped the history of the Barca and Spanish national teams in the coming years.
What was Total Football?
Cruyff believed the best way to play football was to keep things simple. The Dutch tactician emphasized passing, possession, creativity, and relentless pressure. He thought this style makes defending easier, too, as the ball isn’t with the opponents. Johan once said:
“The best way to defend in football is to have ball possession on your opponent’s half.”
He believed that sitting back represented fear and a lack of courage. His style of play made him establish a team that would not just win but win with utter domination and entertainment.
The Dream Team Era
Between the years 1988 and 1996, Barca gained unprecedented success. Cruyff led Barca to four consecutive La Liga titles and the club’s first-ever European Cup in 1992. He instilled “Total Football” in his team, which made the team a lot more dynamic, fluid, and technically strong. The team featured legends like Ronald Koeman, Michael Laudrup, and Hristo Stoichkov.
Unprecedented Success: The Johan Cruyff Way Perfected
Pep Guardiola is widely regarded as Johan Cruyff’s successor as the coach reached unimaginable heights of success with this philosophy. He perfected Total Football and made it the Barca way.
By the time Guardiola became Barca’s manager, La Masia had produced young stars like Iniesta, Xavi, Messi, and Fabregas. They were ready to conquer everything in their way with this Barca style.
Barcelona’s success peaked under Pep Guardiola as the Catalonian genius won three La Liga titles, two Champion Leagues, two Copa Del Rays, three Spanish Super Cups, two European Super Cups, and two club world cups; legendary!
That Barca team was terrifying as it won SIX trophies in 2009, the first team ever to do so (only Bayern repeated the feat in 2020).
Cruyff: More Than A Coach
The impact of Cruyff on Barca was revolutionary. He not only transformed Barca and Spain’s future but also impacted the sport itself. His way was beautiful to the eye and made many fell in love with the sport.
Decades after his tenure, Cruyff’s principles still guide the club and his ways are still being taught to the kids in La Masia. Although Cruyff has passed away, his legacy is timeless as the beautiful game itself.