The Week in Quotes
“If I were FIFA, I’d have two Ballon d’Or prizes, one for that pair to fight over, and another for everyone else.”
Angel Di Maria on the difference between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo compared to the rest of the world in discussion with FIFA.com
“We couldn’t cope with 'long-ball United', it was 'thump it forward and see what they could get'. In the end it paid off. It’s not how you normally see Man United play, but it got them a point in the end.”
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce took a somewhat dim view of Manchester United's tactics in claiming a 1-1 draw
“I give you this [diagram], you can copy it and then maybe you can go to Big Sam and he will get a good interpretation.”
Louis van Gaal was keen to show his opposite number that the numbers from their game showed something different
“In those kind of situations, it is very difficult to find the right words. But I told him that Yaya Toure, the best player in Africa, lost two African Cup finals, like you, so never give up. I know you are sad, but it will come for you.”
Victorious Côte d'Ivoire coach Herve Renard tells FIFA.com about consoling Ghana's Andre Ayew after the latter had lost the CAF Africa Cup of Nations final
“We had an Asian meal, but I wouldn't really call it a date. It was, however, a very special talk in a relaxed atmosphere. Even there, the coach spoke more than anything about football and the way he sees the game, but he doesn't forget to find out how things are with you personally. Such an honest conversation with the coach is very important to a player.”
Mario Gotze on a private evening with Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola
"That could be the worst 30 minutes Real Madrid have ever played.”
Dani Carvajal gives a frank assessment of their 4-0 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid
"From time to time, I'm a jerk. Sometimes it is better to buckle but it is something I can't do. I managed when I was younger and sometimes I went home with a knot in my stomach. Afterwards, you go off, but not with the right person. I’d therefore prefer to say everything I think, even if it means I'm not liked, even if it means I sound arrogant. At least the folk I do like don't have to suffer."
French midfielder Samir Nasri explains why he does not always have a great reputation with the public
"The next step? I don't know... Maybe replacing the Eiffel Tower with an Ibrahimovic statue..."
Zlatan Ibrahimovic on his next target after getting a statue of himself in a Paris museum
“He jokes and he is a very happy man, but he's just kidding around. But the image that people have of him is all wrong. He loves to joke and that is just the way he is, but inside there is a great professional.”
Ibrahimovic's former coach Carlo Ancelotti tries to redress public perceptions of the Swede
"We had been dreaming about that title for a quarter of a century! Now, the cup is here and, as they say, all things come in threes!"
Côte d'Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara is seemingly optimistc about the future, after the Elephants won the CAF Africa Cup of Nations
“It was just his big toe and he managed to get the block in. It's these kind of centimetres that decide whether you win or lose a game.”
Arjen Robben reflects with FIFA.com on the block by Javier Mascherano that arguably stopped Netherlands reaching the FIFA World Cup Final
“(Bayern-Real) would be the logical final, but logic has no place in football.”
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane on his expectations when the UEFA Champions League returns