From FSI Students to Working in Elite Football – FSI Talks #8

In this edition of FSI Talks, Alberto Fílter, coordinator of FSI Lab and host of the podcast, speaks with Jesús Olivares and Pablo Trueba about their experience working in professional football.

Jesús currently works as Head of Performance at Estoril Praia SAD, while Pablo is a Strength and Conditioning Coach at Real Betis C.

Both share a key element in their professional journey: they were students of the FSI Master in Strength and Conditioning and were able to continue working at their respective clubs after completing their internships.

During the episode, they discuss their transition from the academic environment to the professional context of elite football, as well as the challenges and lessons they encountered along the way.

The Impact of FSI Internships on Professional Development

Professional internships are one of the most valuable elements of FSI’s educational programs. These opportunities allow students to apply their knowledge in real professional football environments.

Students who complete an FSI master’s program can apply for internship positions in one of the more than 40 elite football clubs partnered with FSI.

Jesús Olivares explained how his internship at Estoril Praia helped him gain confidence and gradually assume more responsibilities within the club.

“The first week was a process of adaptation, observing methodologies and learning. Gradually they gave me more responsibility, and that was key to staying at the club.”

Pablo Trueba also highlighted the value of working in a professional environment with access to advanced resources and technology.

“The amount of technology, tools and staff in an elite club allows you to focus on what really matters and work in a more structured way.”

Differences Between Amateur and Professional Football

One of the central topics of the episode is the difference between amateur and professional football environments.

In professional clubs, responsibilities are clearly defined and each member of the staff has a specific role within the performance team.

This structure allows greater efficiency in performance management and supports the specialized work of each department.

Professional football also demands a deep understanding of the sport, both from a physical and tactical perspective.

Jesús and Pablo agree that having specialized education in football plays an important role when entering such a competitive environment.

Managing the Weekly Microcycle in Elite Football

Weekly microcycle planning is one of the key aspects of performance management in professional clubs.

Jesús explained how each day of the week is carefully structured to balance performance and recovery.

“Monday is usually focused on regeneration, while later in the week sessions become more specific, combining physical load with tactical work.”

Pablo also emphasized the role of technology and data in the planning process.

“We work with advanced platforms that allow us to analyze workload and adjust training sessions according to the individual needs of each player.”

The Evolution of Knowledge in Modern Football

Professional football is evolving rapidly thanks to advances in sports science and technology.

Research in performance science and the use of data analysis tools are transforming how clubs train players and manage performance.

As a result, clubs increasingly look for professionals who combine a strong understanding of the sport with technological and analytical skills.

For Jesús and Pablo, the key to building a career in this industry is continuous learning and gaining practical experience in real football environments.

“It’s not only about studying, but about applying what you learn and constantly adapting to the demands of professional football.”