Famous Dutch legend Ruud Gullit has launched a scathing attack on the state of modern football, saying that he has decided to stop watching the game he once played so well. The 1987 Ballon d’Or winner talked about his feelings on Ziggo Sport’s Rondo show. He used Arsenal’s 2-1 Premier League win over Chelsea on Sunday, March 1, as an example of his upset:
“I have decided to stop watching football. I don’t enjoy our sport anymore. I watched Arsenal vs Chelsea — what an absolute garbage match of football! I see players trying to create corner kicks, trying to create throw-ins. I see ball boys ready to give towels to the players. Football has become absolutely horrible. I hope that this is not the path we are heading at.”
His anger went beyond just one game:
“Everyone is executing tasks on the pitch. Where are the players dribbling? Where are the players with b*lls? Why is everyone passing?! Passing! Passing! Passing!”
Gullit also added that he is waiting for players who are brave enough to take on defenders and beat men one-on-one, except for Lamine Yamal.
He was part of AC Milan’s famous Dutch trio with Marco van Basten and Frank Rijkaard. He won three Serie A titles and two European Cups. He also led the Netherlands to victory at Euro 1988 and won the Ballon d’Or that same year. He was the perfect example of expressive, free-flowing football, which he clearly thinks is going away.
Arsenal fans will get the irony. They have scored 16 goals from corners in the Premier League this season, which is the most by any team in a single season in the competition’s history. This is an amazing record, but it seems to be exactly the kind of football Gullit hates. Chelsea, on the other hand, fell to sixth place and now have a harder time getting into the Champions League next season.
Arsenal Extend Premier League Lead After Defeating Chelsea
Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium, with William Saliba and Jurrien Timber both scoring from corners. This win gave the Gunners a five-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table. It was fitting that all three goals came from set pieces. Chelsea’s equaliser came from a corner kick, and Piero Hincapie scored an own goal from a wicked Reece James delivery.
Pedro Neto’s red card made it difficult for the Blues to meet expectations as the game continued. However, Chelsea fought for another much needed goal, which didn’t come, and they left North London with their first Premier League loss under Liam Rosenior.