Frank Rijkaard
Frank Rijkaard
Franklin Edmundo Rijkaard; born 30 September 1962) is a Dutch football manager and former player. Rijkaard has played for Ajax, Real Zaragoza and Milan, and represented his national side 73 times, scoring 10 goals. In his coaching career, he has been at the helm of the Netherlands national team, Sparta Rotterdam, Barcelona, Galatasaray and the Saudi Arabia national team. Regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in footballing history, and as one of the best players of his generation,...
ProfessionSoccer Player
Date of Birth30 September 1962
CityAmsterdam, Netherlands
This is a moment for us to be relaxed and content. Before the game we were concentrated only on the job ahead. There were obviously some nerves in our play but this is what you would expect in a game like this when you get to this stage of the competition.
It was a shame we couldn't score, but the team worked hard and played quite well. In the next game we're sure to score. Normally, a draw away from home is a good result.
I'm really pleased with the attitude of the boys tonight. They took the game really seriously, and didn't relax even towards the end.
It's the same with all games at this level. When you're 1-0 ahead there's no peace of mind. That's why we had to work and battle until the end.
But we will only be celebrating when the moment finally comes. The players are delighted with this result because it was a key game but they know how to deal with the euphoria that has been growing throughout the season.
Mathematically after this latest game we've taken another step towards the league title which each time is getting that little bit closer.
This game is our big opportunity to consolidate ourselves as one of the top clubs. We're a young team that still has a lot of hunger for victories, but it's time to show it at the international level.
It's true that we've lost two games recently, but we have to stay calm and get back on track.
The game was more open before the sending off. We just didn't have enough patience or perhaps we have to improve our lack of luck in front of goal.
This is a game which is more than three points. If we win our lead will be 10 points and if we lose it'll be down to six.
He transmits a lot of joy and pleasure playing the game, and he has individual skills that are of such a high level that everybody in the world adores him.
Milan is a very strong team which has been at the top for a long time.
I would also like to say that the referee behaved very well.
He is the youngest player in the team and we have to look after him. He is a vital player for us, but we have a strong enough squad to cover his absence.