Manuel Ortlechner: «Not everyone is made for playing in the top»

My guest on this episode is Manuel Ortlechner, the former captain and current Sporting Director of FK Austria Wien. Manuel shares invaluable lessons from his career as a professional footballer and gives an insider’s perspective on the role of a Sporting Director. We dive into his transition from the pitch to management, the challenges of tough decision-making, navigating contract negotiations, and how his day-to-day work shapes the future of the club. He also offers advice for young athletes aspiring to make it to the top, discusses the impact of data and AI in football, and reflects on the legacy of Austrian football star David Alaba. From personal stories to professional insights, this conversation is packed with inspiration and expertise.

Key Topics Discussed:

👉🏻 Transition from Player to Sporting Director – Manuel shares his experiences and the challenges of moving from the pitch to a management role.
👉🏻 Biggest Lesson as a Football Player – Insights into what he learned from his time as a player and how it shapes his current work.
👉🏻 Recruitment Process of Young Talents – The strategies and process involved in scouting and nurturing young talent at FK Austria Wien.
👉🏻 Toughest Decisions as Sporting Director – How Manuel approaches difficult decisions and manages high-pressure situations.
👉🏻 Impact of Data and AI in Football – His opinion on how data and artificial intelligence are changing the game and influencing decision-making.

🎥 Leonidas Loggidis