Ep. 49 - From Professional Footballer to Elite Manager with Omer Riza | Emerging Excellence Podcast

Join Michael Furey in this insightful episode of the Emerging Excellence Podcast as he sits down with Omer Riza, a former professional footballer turned elite coach and manager. In this engaging conversation, Oma shares his journey from playing at Arsenal to coaching at elite academies and national teams, and finally moving into senior management roles. They discuss the pressures and challenges of professional sports, character development, building high-performance teams, and the transition from player to coach. Omer also talks about dealing with adversity, maintaining integrity, and the importance of confidence and mentorship in both sports and life. This episode is packed with valuable insights for aspiring leaders in any field and offers a unique perspective on what it takes to achieve excellence.



00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:58 Omer Riza's Career Highlights

02:25 Challenges and Growth in Coaching

04:34 Identifying and Developing Talent

11:23 Transition from Player to Coach

19:47 Building Confidence and High-Performance Teams

30:44 Navigating Conflict and Big Egos

32:28 Balancing Football and Personal Life

33:15 The Role of a Manager and Mentor

35:34 Challenges and Rewards of Coaching

36:41 Daily Routine and Preparation

37:45 Handling Pressure and Expectations

44:03 Dealing with Failure and Setbacks

49:39 Pride and Achievements

57:17 Advice for Leaders