Brian Clough was one of the most successful and charismatic football managers of his generation. During his time at Derby County and Nottingham Forest, he won numerous titles and established himself as a footballing icon. However, it was not just his success on the field that made him famous. Clough was also renowned for his quick wit, sharp tongue, and memorable quotes. In this article, we will take a look at some of Brian Clough’s most famous quotes.

The Quotes That Made Brian Clough A legend

1. “I wouldn’t say I was the best manager in the business. But I was in the top one.”

This quote is a testament to Clough’s confidence and self-belief, two qualities that helped him achieve great success as a football manager. It has become one of his most famous quotes, and it perfectly captures his larger-than-life personality.

2. “We used to go out and have a few drinks after the game, but now players have to go to bed early. No drinking, no women, no gambling. They can’t do anything.”

Sadly, this Clough quote is a reflection of how much football has changed over the years. Clough was known for his fondness for a good night out and believed it was an essential part of team bonding. However, in today’s game, players are under constant scrutiny, and there is little room for off-field antics. This quote is a reminder of how much the sport has evolved over the years.

3. “If God had wanted us to play football in the clouds, he’d have put grass up there.”

A perfect example of Clough’s sense of humour. He was never one to take himself too seriously, and he had a knack for delivering witty one-liners. This quote is also a reminder of the importance of keeping things simple. Clough believed that football should be played on the ground, and he had little time for the direct long-ball format of the game made famous by teams like Wimbledon.

4. “We talk about it for twenty minutes and then we decide I was right.”

This quote is a tongue-in-cheek reflection of Clough’s management style. He was not one to shy away from making decisions and believed that his way was always the right way. This quote is a reminder of the importance of strong leadership and decision-making skills. It could also be a quote showcasing Clough’s arrogance and unwillingness to listen to other ideas.

5. “The strength of the team is in each individual member. The strength of each member is in the team.”

This quote highlights Clough’s belief in the importance of teamwork and collective effort. He understood that no individual player could win a game on their own, and that success came from the efforts of the entire team working together. This quote is a reminder of the importance of teamwork and the need for each team member to contribute uniquely to achieve success.

6. “We used to go and visit the toilets at half-time.”

Always unconventional, this quote is a reflection of Clough’s unique approach to team talks. He believed that the best conversations often happened in unexpected places, and he was not afraid to break from tradition. This quote is a reminder of the importance of thinking outside the box and being willing to try new things.

7. “Players lose you games, not tactics. There’s so much crap talked about tactics by people who barely know how to win at dominoes.”

Clough valued individual player talent over tactical systems, believing that the quality of the players determined a team’s success.

8. “They say Rome wasn’t built in a day, but I wasn’t on that particular job.”

Another unerring example of Clough’s sharp wit and confident leadership style. Here he shows the courage of his convictions indicating he has a sure-fire setup for success that could be implemented overnight.

9. “I’m not a dictator. It’s just that I have a grumpy face.”

This quote is a lighthearted reflection of Clough’s reputation as a tough taskmaster. He was known for being demanding and expecting a lot from his players. However, he also had a softer side, and this quote is a reminder that he was not always the stern figure he was made out to be.

10. “We’re not here to enjoy ourselves. We’re here to win.”

This quote is a reminder of Clough’s winning mentality. He was not one to settle for mediocrity, and he believed that success was the only option. This quote is a reflection of his relentless drive to succeed and his uncompromising approach to football.

In Conclusion

To sum things up, Brian Clough was a legendary figure in the world of football, and his quotes have become part of footballing folklore. From his quick wit to his sharp tongue, Clough had a way with words that endeared him to fans around the world. His quotes are a reminder of his unique personality, his unwavering self-confidence, and his uncompromising approach to the game. Brian Clough will always be remembered as one of the greatest managers in the history of the sport, and his quotes will continue to inspire footballers and fans alike for generations to come.