PFA Conversations – Details, episodes & analysis

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 Xhaka, gaining a unique insight into his coaching aspirations, unwavering principles, and the evolution of his football philosophy. This includes never-seen-before footage of Xhaka mic'd up for an entire session alongside David Bridges and unfiltered talks to and from training.

To view the interview on video, check The PFA YouTube Channel.

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

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 mini-series that delves into the world of Granit Xhaka , gaining a unique insight into his coaching aspirations, unwavering principles, and the evolution of his football philosophy. This includes  never-seen-before footage of Xhaka mic'd up for an entire session alongside David Bridges and unfiltered talks to and from training.

To view the interview on video, check The PFA YouTube Channel.

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

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 leader.

Further, she delved into the challenges she faced transitioning from playing to coaching, the importance of evolving and adapting in coaching, and the steps that can be taken to create a fresh start for women's football. Join us as Powell reflects on her career and shares her non-negotiables, best advice, and what she is most proud of. 

This is PFA Conversations with Hope Powell.

Hope Powell was awarded the 2022 PFA Merit award for her outstanding contribution to the women's game. She is also the course co-director of PFA Business School's EDI Directorship in Sport Organisations programme.

To view the interview on video, check The PFA YouTube Channel.

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

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 English football.

Thierry Henry shares his thoughts on the likes of Dennis Bergkamp and his lethal killer instinct, the sheer genius of Eden Hazard, and the indomitable invincibility of Eric Cantona. He also delves into his profound love for the art of the assist, questioning why this remarkable achievement isn't celebrated more in the beautiful game. Plus, he reveals a pivotal piece of advice from the iconic Arsène Wenger that forever changed his perspective on football.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain incredible insights from one of the most brilliant minds in the world of football. Join us for an unforgettable journey through the game's history and its most exceptional players.

To view the interview on video, check The PFA YouTube Channel.

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

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 that during his time at Arsenal, and what steps did you take to establish it?

This is a short excerpt from Markus Fjørtoft's (@MarkusFjortoft) chat with David Dein.

To view the interview on video, check The PFA YouTube Channel.

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

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.

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

"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 short excerpt from Markus Fjørtoft's (@MarkusFjortoft) chat with him, he talks about the key quality he looks for and why Kiaran McKenna is the perfect example.

Mark Ashton was supported by The PFA through the scholar education program. After his release from WBA, he had already obtained his B Tech qualification.

To view the interview on video, check The PFA YouTube Channel.

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

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 exploring management with the likes of Millwall and Swindon, has become technical director of Garuda Select (aimed at developing the next Indonesian football talents) and CEO of Como 1907.

To view the interview on video, check The PFA YouTube Channel.

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

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's (@MarkusFjortoft) chat with David Dein.

To view the interview on video, check The PFA YouTube Channel.

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

"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 and how lets people know what he expects from them.

Mark Ashton was supported by The PFA through the scholar education program. After his release from WBA, he had already obtained his B Tech qualification.

To view the interview on video, check The PFA YouTube Channel.

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