PFA Conversations

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 into the world of Granit...

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 is part of a two-part...

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: @PFA Instagram: @the_pfa LinkedIn: Professional Footballers&apo...

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 intervie...

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 personal journey a...

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 Xhaka, he sha...

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 Channel. T...

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: @PFA Instagram: @the_pfa LinkedIn: Professional Footballers'​ Association 

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 Bridges (@DBProT...

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 into his new c...

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 favourite football memories and how she defines success. We delve into how her experiences as a player and growing up have influenced her coaching style and approach, and the key lessons she has learned as a lea...

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 ( @LiamMacdevitt) , as the former World Cup and Euros winner takes a trip down memory lane and reflects on the countless stars who've illuminated Engli...

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 history. A strong organizational culture is widely recognized as a critical factor in achieving success, regardless of industry or sector so how did he approach...

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 Channel. T...

"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, Mark Ashton has hired the likes of Aidy Boothroyd, Brendan Rodgers, Sean Dyche, Malkie McKay, Lee Johnson, Michael Appleton, and Kiaran McKenna. In this sh...

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 Newcastle? This is a short excerpt from Markus Fjørtoft's (@MarkusFjortoft) chat with Dennis Wise part of @PFA Conversations in Como. Dennis Wise took his coaching badges through The @PFA , and since explo...

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 first foreign manager. What attributes or experiences contributed to his ability to make such decisions? This is a short excerpt from Markus Fjørtoft'...

"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 venue. In this short excerpt from Markus Fjørtoft's (@MarkusFjortoft) chat with Mark Ashton, he gives us an insight into how he runs the business a...

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 Arsenal Football Club into one of the most successful clubs in English history. But Dein's impact goes beyond Arsenal, as he played a significant role in form...

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 (@MarkusFjortoft) for a follow-up interview, providing another fascinating insight into his coaching mind. As part of obtaining his coaching badges with the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA)...

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 promising start, he was eventually released from the club. But rather than giving up on football altogether, Ashton took on various roles within the community,...

From non-league football to the PFA chairman Omar Beckles ( @BecklesOmar) has had quite the journey. Markus Fjortoft ( @markusfjortoft ) met with Omar to learn about his story,  values, and vision as he takes on the new role as PFA chair.  We'll dive into his early years and his earliest football memory, gaining insights into the man he is today. As a previous member of the PFA Players'...

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 leading one of the most exciting football projects out there. This is a short excerpt from Markus Fjørtoft's (@MarkusFjortoft) chat with Dennis Wise part of @PFA Co...

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 him about the Director of Football role he’s had at the club where it all started in his professional career. He also happened to be one of the best English strikers of...

"Will the "manager Fabregas" be different from the "player Fabregas" in terms of how he leads?" Short excerpt from Markus Fjørtoft's (@MarkusFjortoft) chat with Cesc Fabregas (@cesc4official) on how he would lead as a manager. “My experience is that every time they gave me time to analyze the game from my POV when I’m on pitch, I’ve always been the better player....