Feb 26, 2026
Welcome to episode 235 of Sports Management Podcast.
Today’s guest is Theo Dedes, a UEFA Pro License coach who recently led TSG Hoffenheim’s women’s team in Germany.
From growing up in Athens to coaching at the highest level in European football, Theo shares what modern leadership really looks like, why empathy beats authority in today’s game, and what it takes to survive - and thrive - in one of the most pressure-filled industries in the world.
SPONSOR:
Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today.
Time stamps:
00:00 Intro
00:40 The UEFA Pro License Explained
02:01 Eligible for Champions League
02:36 The Coach as Manager
04:33 The Loneliness of Leadership
05:49 Controlling the Uncontrollable
07:29 Managing Friction Inside the Squad
08:51 Handling Weekly Pressure
10:22 Being a Young Head Coach
12:31 Coaching as Brand & Identity
15:13 Greece vs Germany Leadership Styles
17:25 The Coaching Odyssey
19:50 Why Germany Felt Fair
21:17 Learning from Termination
31:15 Advice for Future Pro Coaches
33:00 Outro
Follow Sports Management Podcast on social
media
Instagram
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube
