The Insider's Lounge
The Insider's Lounge
How Rudy Gestede Is Reinventing Himself as Head of Football at Blackburn Rovers FC (S2 E11)
In this compelling episode of The Insider's Lounge, Rudy Gestede takes us on a journey through his remarkable career, from a professional footballer with stints across Europe, Australia, and the Middle East to his current role as Head of Football Operations at Blackburn Rovers FC. Rudy reflects on his early days in football, how his career materialized despite not having a deep passion for the game, and the highs and lows he experienced, including battling injuries and adapting to different footballing cultures.
Rudy opens up about the challenges of transitioning from player to management, sharing how he’s redefining his identity and focusing on building a strong foundation at Blackburn Rovers. He discusses the lessons learned from his playing days, the traits that separate elite players from the rest, and the behind-the-scenes work required to build a squad ready to compete at the highest levels.
From handling overpromising clubs to his vision for success in football operations, Rudy offers honest and inspiring insights into life after football, his management philosophy, and what success looks like for Blackburn Rovers. Whether you're a football fan or curious about what it takes to succeed off the pitch, this episode is packed with candid reflections and valuable lessons.
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:35 First Football Memory & Childhood
02:25 Professional Career Takes Shape
05:24 Passion for Football… or Maybe Not
07:18 Exploring Other Career Paths
09:06 Pro Career Highlights
12:26 Adapting to New Cultures
16:22 Setting Goals as a Player
17:42 Priorities When Joining a New Club
19:39 Handling Broken Promises from Clubs
22:10 Rudy’s Biggest Influences
24:17 Transitioning to Management & Business
30:39 Keys to a Successful Move from Player to Manager
35:51 Role at Blackburn Rovers
37:35 What Fans Don’t See Behind the Scenes
40:38 Inspirations for Running a Football Club
42:00 Collaborating with Other Clubs
43:32 Lessons from Rudy's Playing Days Applied to Management
48:10 What Sets Elite Players Apart
50:47 Building a Squad for the Championship & Premier League
53:47 Best Team Environments
56:27 Defining Success at Blackburn Rovers
58:31 Lessons from Career Lows
59:55 Quick Fire Questions
01:01:47 Outro
