Cruyff Day: Johan would have turned 73 years old today
As a player and later as a coach, the man changed the entire philosophy at FC Barcelona
Arguably the most influential person in FC Barcelona's history, Johannes Hendrik Cruyff, would have turned 73 today. The Barça legend was born in Amsterdam on the 25th April 1947 and to this day is the longest-serving manager in the club's history.
As a player, between 1973 and 1978, he left his mark on Barça. He won the league in 1974 and the Copa del Rey in 1978.
As a coach, the Dutchman was in charge from 1988 to 1996. He won four league titles, a Copa del Rey, three Spanish Super Cups, the European Cup, a UEFA Cup Winners Cup and the European Super Cup.
When he took his place in the dugout in 1988, Barça had only won 10 league titles in their history. He won four consecutive leagues, three of those on the final day of the season, and that run of success has never been matched by any another Barcelona coach.
Cruyff also has the most victories as the head coach of Barça: 179. He's ahead of Pep Guardiola (116), Frank Rijkaard (112) and Rinus Michels (105).
He was one of only four players to have won LaLiga as both a player and as a coach at Barça. However, he's the only foreigner to achieve that feat.
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