Cocu: Afellay is ready to play in Barca

Phillip Cocu is an institution at PSV Eindhoven, where he reached the rank of living history. He was born there and was great in the Phillips Stadion-won 4 Eredivisie, 2 Super Cups and 2 at two different stages, "but one day he went to Barca. It was in 1998 and continued to grow until it becomes huge. Cocu is a foreigner who has played more games Blaugrana (292), in which scored 34 goals. The only but: his presence did not translate into titles and only won 1 League. He lived the darkest time of FC Barcelona, Joan Gaspart. Untitled trace has even more merit. Now he lives the other side of football, the coaches, and assistant Fred Rutten at PSV. And it is the best person to talk about Affelay, you can follow the same path that he traveled in his day. Also play in the same position.

Ibrahim Affelay Do you think would suit the Barca game?

Yes, I think so. Yes, yes, yes. It is technically very good player and is a pin that uses both feet well. 

What position will be located? 

Can play in different positions. In the Dutch also used in different positions, sometimes on the left wing or right, false end. And sometimes plays PSV and 10, pivot or interior. It is very versatile.

Is it a football offensive? Yes it is an offensive player. Do not think I could play the position of Busquets, but the rest of the positions I do think it would fit.


Busquets position requires other features. 

This is a very important position. Need to beat the game, but defensive balance. And it is very important. Sales are playing from behind and the first midfielder who touches the ball. We must try to keep up not only stealing, but also playing the ball. Even attempts to get to the opposing goal. 

"Would play in the position of Xavi or Iniesta? 

Have a change of pace with ball striking. Would you recommend going to Barca? If I could choose it would be easy. I think it's more important what he thinks. It has many options, but the important thing is your philosophy and how to play needs to further develop their football. I needed a type of club and he also needs it. And the club is great. It is logical, is concerned, it is logical to go to Barca. 

Have you come far? 

Yes, it is his sixth year here in the first team and I think you are now ready to go abroad. He played a lot here to be the team leader. It feels important and is very important. And it's still at its peak, it can grow more. So you need a higher level for now ...

How long does it take to adapt? It's hard to say because it is a very personal thing and depends not only on football. There is also the life, language, dress, talk things out with the mister ... Influence all aspects.

And in football? 

In football not think I have many problems. Only upload speed of thinking, mind, but he has already demonstrated in the Dutch who can. And there is higher level than here. I have confidence that this is not a problem for him. But I can not say how long it takes to adapt. 

"Better now or in December? 

Better now I think it would have a little more time to know the club, how to play football in Spain, the language ... Yes, I would well leave now. Would you have called Pep? I talked with Pep. I have contact with him forever. 

Have you asked for it? 

We talked about many things (laughs). Have you been asked for information? We talk every week, but do not want to talk about these issues, are things between the former teammates who are now coaches. Pep means a lot to me. 

As you are concerned, what Barcelona was using in its infancy as a technician in Eindhoven? I like to play attractive, attacking and PSV played well, we have many offensive players. Are offensive midfielders and attackers are different. But the results always decide, but if possible I like to have the ball.


Always depends on the players. 

Of course, it depends on the players because at the end, you do not win, how to play is to have the ball, move faster, creating chances with dominant football. 

We want to dominate every game. Having Messi makes everything easier. Yes, but to win the Champions League and play a game with that quality, you need the work of the team. Not only him but all are necessary. 

Leo is the first work for the team.'s What I say, that everyone should work for the team and he does. Pep Guardiola is fortunate to have a team that combines quality and work. The level is very high. Greatly influences the way how they think and play. 

Directly, there are many players who have a very high quality, but making the team play so hard. Another secret of this team is the quarry. The speed with which players rise to the first team is amazing. In Holland also used the quarry, but in Europe there is no such powerful clubs like Barca do so with as much normalcy. 

Is the big difference? No, because Barca tab also usually a lot. Barca tab and there are also times that have signed more than now. It also depends on the quality of the quarry. Every year is different. But the philosophy of working with young people, how to train and play, always remains. And so it is easier to move from Barca B to the first team.