PFA Conversations

Jan 31 2024 1

PFA Conversations Podcast artwork

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.

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Soundbite #17 - Granit Xhaka: Honest Reflections on his Relationship with his Dad

Jan 31 2024 1 mins

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, from which he’s got his three non-negotiables: respect, discipline, and hard work. Like father, like son. “One day, he will tell me I had a good game. This is my challenge, my drive.” This is part of a two-part mini-series that delves i

Soundbite #16 - Granit Xhaka: Why Players' Mentality Fail Them

Jan 24 2024 2 mins

As part of the two-part Granit Xhaka | Between The Lines mini-series, he discussed with Markus Fjørtoft the demands of being a professional football player, and why mentality, was one of the biggest contributors to him taking that next step.“They were more talented than me, maybe even worked better than me, but they couldn’t handle playing in front of 50/60,000 people.”This

Soundbite #15 - Hope Powell: Learning to Lead Through The Transition from Player to Coach

Jan 15 2024 2 mins

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 (@markusfjortoft) conversation with Hope Powell.To view the interview on video, check The PFA YouTube Channel.Twitter: @PFAInstagram: @the_pfaLinkedIn: Professional Footballers'

Soundbite #14 - Cesc Fabregas: The Modern Game Criticism

Jan 10 2024 1 mins

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 (@cesc4official).Cesc Fàbregas has taken his coaching badges through The PFA. He is currently undertaking the UEFA A licence with the help of Jim Hicks, Head of Coaching, and David Bridges (@DBProTraining), Coach Educator.To view the

Soundbite #13 - Philippe Senderos: The Challenge in Aspiring for Perfection

Jan 04 2024 2 mins

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 (@MarkusFjortoft) his insights into the very best players managed the pressure to excel and discusses the balance between performance and enjoyment. He also honestly reflects on his pers

Granit Xhaka: Inside The Mind Of The Player, Coach & Leader

Dec 27 2023 15 mins

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 philosophy. The Switzerland captain reflects on his journey under renowned managers such as Arteta, Wenger, and Xabi Alonso. Returning to the Rhein region, where it all began for the 19-year-old

Soundbite #12 - Cesc Fàbregas: Can You Teach Better Decision-Making?

Dec 20 2023 4 mins

This is a short excerpt from Markus Fjørtoft's (@MarkusFjortoft) follow-up interview with Cesc Fàbregas (@cesc4official).Cesc Fàbregas has taken his coaching badges through The PFA. He is currently undertaking the UEFA A licence with the help of Jim Hicks, Head of Coaching, and David Bridges (@DBProTraining), Coach Educator.To view the interview on video, check The PFA YouTube C

Soundbite #11 - Hope Powell: The Core Values That Inspired Her Leadership

Dec 11 2023 2 mins

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) conversation with Hope Powell.To view the interview on video, check The PFA YouTube Channel.Twitter: @PFAInstagram: @the_pfaLinkedIn: Professional Footballers' Association

Soundbite #10 - Cesc Fabregas: Will We Ever See A New Cesc Fabregas?

Dec 05 2023 1 mins

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 Fabregas (@cesc4official).Cesc Fàbregas has taken his coaching badges through The PFA. He is currently undertaking the UEFA A licence with the help of Jim Hicks, Head of Coaching, and David Bridg

Philippe Senderos: From Player to Sports Directorship

Nov 28 2023 8 mins

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 (@MarkusFjortoft), Philippe discusses the challenges he encountered while reinventing himself in the football landscape and the process of redirecting the same passion and dedication he had as a player i