PFA Conversations
Welcome to PFA Conversations, the podcast that takes you beyond the pitch and into the minds of some of the biggest names in football. Join us as we chat with current and former players who have embarked on unique career paths, exploring their journeys as footballers, coaches, executives, entrepreneurs, and more.
Presented by the Professional Footballers' Association, the union for all current and former footballers and scholars in the Premier League, the FA Women’s Super League and the English Football Leagues, “PFA Conversations” delves into the personal and professional experiences of our guests and examines how their careers have influenced their leadership styles, methodology and decision-making processes. Join us on this journey of discovery as we explore and dissect the many paths a footballing career can take, and learn from those who have navigated this exciting and ever-changing landscape.
Episodes
28 episodes
Soundbite #17 - Granit Xhaka: Honest Reflections on his Relationship with his Dad
As part of the two-part Granit Xhaka | Between The Lines mini-series, he discussed with Markus Fjørtoft the bond between him and his father,...
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Soundbite #16 - Granit Xhaka: Why Players' Mentality Fail Them
As part of the two-part Granit Xhaka | Between The Lines mini-series, he discussed with Markus Fjørtoft the demands of being a professional ...
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Soundbite #15 - Hope Powell: Learning to Lead Through The Transition from Player to Coach
How did Hope Powell adjust to the transition from playing to coaching, and what challenges did she face in learning how to teach the game to others effectively?This is a short excerpt from Markus Fjortoft's (
Soundbite #14 - Cesc Fabregas: The Modern Game Criticism
What is lost in the modern game according to Cesc Fàbregas.This is a short excerpt from Markus Fjørtoft's (@MarkusFjortoft) chat with Cesc Fabregas
Soundbite #13 - Philippe Senderos: The Challenge in Aspiring for Perfection
In this honest excerpt from our conversation with Philippe Senderos, the Swiss football legend, we delve into the minds of elite players and their pursuit of perfection. Philippe shares with Markus
Granit Xhaka: Inside The Mind Of The Player, Coach & Leader
Delve into the world of Granit Xhaka with Markus Fjortoft (@MarkusFjortoft), gaining a unique insight into his coaching aspirations, unwavering principles, and the evolution of his football phi...
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Soundbite #12 - Cesc Fàbregas: Can You Teach Better Decision-Making?
This is a short excerpt from Markus Fjørtoft's (@MarkusFjortoft) follow-up interview with Cesc Fàbregas (@cesc4official).Cesc Fàbregas has ...
Soundbite #11 - Hope Powell: The Core Values That Inspired Her Leadership
What principles and values taught during her formative years, has shaped how Hope Powell has looked to lead since?This is a short excerpt from Markus Fjortoft's (@markusfjortoft)...
Soundbite #10 - Cesc Fabregas: Will We Ever See A New Cesc Fabregas?
Due to direction of the modern game, does Cesc think we will ever see a type of player similar to himself? This is a short excerpt from Markus Fjørtoft's (@MarkusFjortoft) chat with Cesc ...
Philippe Senderos: From Player to Sports Directorship
We sit down with Philippe Senderos, the Swiss football icon renowned for his illustrious career with clubs such as Arsenal, Fulham, AC Milan, and Rangers. Alongside Markus Fjortoft (@Mark...
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Hope Powell: Lessons In Leadership
Welcome to this week’s episode where Markus Fjortoft (@markusfjortoft) talked to Hope Powell, one of women's football's most successful and influential coaches. We explore her favouri...
Thierry Henry: Unveiling the Footballing Genius
In this special episode, we have a true football legend – a two-time PFA Players' Player of the Year and one of the all-time greats of the Premier League, Thierry Henry. Join us for a captivating 30-minute conversation with Liam MacDevitt (
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Soundbite #9 - David Dein: How To Build A Winning Team
David Dein was deemed crazy by Arsenal’s chairman at the time for investing his money in the club. However, over the course of over 20 years, he was instrumental in turning Arsenal into one of the most successful football clubs in English histo...
Soundbite #8 - Cesc Fàbregas: Arteta's Pyschological Acumen
This is a short excerpt from Markus Fjørtoft's (@MarkusFjortoft) follow-up interview with Cesc Fàbregas (@cesc4official).Cesc Fàbregas has ...
Soundbite #7 - Mark Ashton: Hiring The Right Manager
"I will tend to buck the trend. Sometimes it's easier to hire a more experienced manager, but I have always had a passion about giving people an opportunity and for us trying to be slightly different."Over the last two decades, Ma...
Soundbite #6 - Dennis Wise: How Is He Building Project Como?
How does Dennis Wise (@denniswise) look to build the Como Project (training ground, recruitment, cultural influences) and how does that compare to his time starting off as an executive at New...
Soundbite #5 - David Dein: The Art Of Bold Decision-Making
Looking back, David Dein seemed to have this touch for making key decisions that were considered radical at the time, such as forming the Premier League, appointing the relatively unknown Wenger, and hiring Sven-Goran Eriksson as England's firs...
Soundbite #4 - Mark Ashton: How to Build a Winning Team From the Top Down
"They have absolute clarity on how I expect them to behave as people."Since Mark Ashton arrived at Ipswich 1,5 years ago, he has hired a new manager, Director of Football Operations, and new Heads of Media, Finance and Portman Road as a...
David Dein: A Journey of Leadership and Innovation in Football
We sit down with one of the most influential figures in English football, David Dein. His visionary leadership and bold decisions have earned him a place in the history of English football. He's most notably known for transforming A...
Cesc Fàbregas: The Coaching Journey (Pt. 2)
At London, Colney, one of the greatest midfielders of his generation and World Cup, Euros, Premier League, La Liga and FA Cup winner Cesc Fàbregas (@cesc4official) sits down with Markus Fjortoft <...
Mark Ashton: Leading the Rebirth of Ipswich Town
Mark Ashton began his journey with the same dream as many other children: to become a professional footballer. He was a scholar at West Bromwich Albion and even made his first-team debut against Real Madrid in America. However, despite this pro...
Omar Beckles: From Non-League Football to PFA Chairman
From non-league football to the PFA chairman Omar Beckles (@BecklesOmar) has had quite the journey. Markus Fjortoft (@markusfjortoft) met with Omar t...
Soundbite #3 - Dennis Wise: Why Was It A Relief Leaving England?
Is part of Dennis Wise relishing his new role due to getting away from constant scrutinisation and pressures that surrounded him his entire playing and management career?He admits it’s had its ups and downs but Dennis Wise is now leadin...
Business: Les Ferdinand talks Culture, Recruitment, and Renewal as Director of Football
We head to Heston, West London, where QPR spend their working hours while their 30m training ground is completed. “Sir Les” is one of the rare cases of British players making the step into the executive world. I am here to talk to h...
