Episode 5 with Jan Åge Fjørtoft

The Football Pod

Today’s guest is Jan Åge Fjørtoft, a living legend of Norwegian football and a connoisseur of the European game. The 54-year-old has decades of perspective with a playing career from his homeland to Austria, with Andreas Herzog at Rapid Vienna, before reaching fan favourite status in England with Swindon Town and then the likes of Bryan Robson’s Middlesbrough and Fabrizio Ravanelli before the move to Eintracht Frankfurt. The indelible image of his stepover finish that kept Eintracht in the Bundesliga have been etched into the minds of German football fans and elevated Fjørtoft to cult hero status. After finishing out his playing days in Norway, he has stayed close to the action, with a stint as a sporting director and advisor to the national team. For the last two decades, he has also been working as a television pundit and analyst/reporter for various European outlets, besides running a communications company. Our conversation began with the media side of football before turning onto Norwegian football and of course Erling Haaland. Fjørtoft offers us unparalleled insights on the Norwegian sensation at Dortmund, reveals some secret qualities and tells us the moment he knew Haaland would be a superstar. In addition, we explore the reasons behind Norway’s new golden generation, what it means for Norway in historical context and how they differ from his World Cup generation. Finally, he dishes some career advice to Martin Ødegaard, talks Jens Petter Hauge and other prospects. Don’t miss this chance to hear from one of the more entertaining and insightful voices on the global game and a host of other interesting topics.