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

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'​ Association

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 interview on video, check The PFA YouTube Channel.

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

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 and the evolving definition of success in his career. 

Formerly the Sporting Director at his hometown club, Servette, in the Swiss Super League, Philippe Senderos now imparts his wisdom as a lecturer for the PFA's (@PFA) groundbreaking Business School initiative. 

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

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

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 shares insights about dealing with discomfort and navigating the challenges of not being able to be the person he wants to be in the world of football. Witness never-seen-before footage of Xhaka mic'd up for an entire session and unfiltered talks to and from training.

This marks the first part of "Between the Lines" with Granit Xhaka, a deep-dive into the world of the player, coach, and leader.

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

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 (@DBProTraining), Coach Educator.

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

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

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 career. He candidly shares the evolution of his definition of success, drawing comparisons between his roles as a player and a Sporting Director. Discover how Philippe views the ever-changing dynamics of success in football and the key differentiators that set top sports executives apart.

Philippe's story is a testament to the enduring pursuit of excellence and the continuous quest for improvement in the world of sports. Whether you're a football enthusiast or intrigued by the inner workings of sports management, the episode provides a fresh perspective on the transition from player to sports director.

Formerly the Sporting Director at his hometown club, Servette, in the Swiss Super League, Philippe Senderos now imparts his wisdom as a lecturer for the PFA's (@PFA) groundbreaking Business School initiative. 

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

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