On The Continent - A European Football Podcast
Stak 362 episodes Nov 6, 2026
On The Continent is a European football podcast from the Football Ramble. Hosts Dotun Adebayo and Andy Brassell, along with expert guests, analyze the biggest stories and headlines from across European football. New episodes are released weekly throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Episodes
Ask OTC: Fàbregas vs Allegri, JJ Gabriel's future and Stuttgart's season
Just nine months ago, Max Allegri and Cesc Fàbregas clashed on the touchline when AC Milan faced Como. Fast forward, and Fàbregas has just led his team to a 9-1 win over Lens, while Allegri has suffered a 4-1 defeat to Porto. How has the experienced manager got it so wrong, and the 'child' got it so right?Kevin Hatchard joins Dotun & Andy to discuss that. Also, what is JJ Gabriel's
*Another* miracle in Istanbul
Fenerbahçe came from behind twice to beat Liverpool in a memorable Champions League night, but how significant is this result? Can the Turkish giants re-establish themselves among Europe's elite under Emre Belözoğlu?Kevin Hatchard joins Dotun and Andy to assess. Elsewhere, Bayern Munich gave Atletico Madrid a bloody nose, while Inter recovered from their bruising derby defeat with a win over F
Ask OTC: Antonio Conte's next move, the Yashin Trophy & Valencia's struggles
There's been plenty of noise around Antonio Conte and his links to Manchester United this week. With Michael Carrick staying put at Old Trafford (for now), where is Conte's next realistic landing spot after leaving Napoli in the summer?Nicky Bandini and David Cartlidge join Dotun to answer that. Plus, is Unai Simón really the best goalkeeper in the world? Can Javier Aguirre save Valencia f
Golden balls
Harry Kane is your 2026 Ballon d’Or winner! A stunning season leaves him with football’s top award for an individual footballer, but how much does the accolade mean for the Bundesliga and German football more broadly?David Cartlidge and Nicky Bandini join Dotun this week to explore that. Plus, a huge win for José Mourinho and Real Madrid in El Clásico. Have they brought themselves right back in th
Ask OTC: Is Cesc Fàbregas now an elite manager?
After their stunning victory against Manchester United on Wednesday, Como have properly announced themselves on the European stage. So, can we now call Fàbregas one of Europe's elite coaches?Lars Sivertsen joins Dotun and Andy to answer that. Plus, how are Lazio doing so well in Serie A given their off-field issues? Why are Porto having such a torrid time in the Champions League? And can we ex
The 'Big Four' era?
The four favourites for this season's Champions League met this week, with Bayern Munich taking on Arsenal and PSG hosting Barcelona. With those four sides now clearly ahead of the rest in the pecking order, can we really expect a winner from outside that set?Lars Sivertsen joins Dotun and Andy to discuss that. Plus, Andy's been on his travels to see Galatasaray take on Lille at the Stade
Lyon show their flair... and their flaw
After a fresh round of enticing Europa League and Conference League ties, we wanted to bring you all the latest – and when both Lyon and Marseille are involved, who better than Andy and Jonathan Johnson to guide you through it?Andy joins JJ from Lyon after watching them conquer Crystal Palace last night in a game that was just Lyon all over. But did this show an exciting future for their frontline
You can take the José out of Rome...
José Mourinho received a hero's welcome on his return to the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday night. In the end, and after a few twists and turns, it was his Real Madrid side who came away victorious. Is there still a touch of the José about Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma?Lars Sivertsen joins Dotun and Andy to debate that. Plus, it was a disastrous night for Fenerbahçe as they sunk to a 6-0 away
Abu Dhabi vs Qatar... but in Manchester
The footballing gods do have a funny way of throwing up some intriguing fixtures at the perfect time. Abu Dhabi's Manchester City vs Qatar's PSG in City's first home game after being found guilty of breaching the Premier League's financial rules is certainly one of those.Miguel Delaney joins Andy to take a deep dive into the complicated ownerships of both clubs, and what City's
Ask OTC: What should Endrick do?
One of world football’s most promising talents is barely getting on the pitch at Real Madrid. So should Endrick persevere, or find a way out?Dotun and Andy are joined by David Cartlidge to get their heads around this confusing mismatch. Elsewhere, Troy Parrott’s release clause at Real Betis, the cost of the international break for Dortmund, and a mercifully simple explanation of what's going o
Sit down, be humble
Cristiano Ronaldo managed to outlast every Portugal manager until Jorge Jesus came along. His dramatic exit, followed by a mind-blowing statement, makes it look like Ronaldo has played straight into Jesus’ hands. Has it cost him any chance of a fond farewell like his lifelong rival, Lionel Messi? And why are Portugal actually better for his exit?Dotun and Andy are joined by David Cartlidge to dig
Ask OTC: Manchester City's downfall... Europe's opportunity?
All eyes are on Manchester City as the fallout from their guilty verdict continues to unravel. With the Premier League's dominance under renewed scrutiny, is this a chance for Europe's other top leagues to close the financial and competitive gap they’ve been chasing for so long?Jonathan Johnson joins Andy and Dotun to assess how the continent is reacting. Plus, has Zinedine Zidine's wi
Is time finally up for Cristiano Ronaldo?
It's been 23 years since Cristiano Ronaldo made his Portugal debut. 234 appearances and 146 goals later, his time as a Portugal international might now be over. After abruptly leaving Jorge Jesus' camp, have we seen the last of him in a Portugal shirt?Jonathan Johnson joins Dotun and Andy to discuss the fallout to that. Plus, Lamine Yamal continues to shine for Spain and Jürgen Klopp risks
A trip to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's Georgia
The emergence of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as one of European football's modern greats has been well-told at elite club level. After leaving Napoli for PSG in 2025 he hasn't looked back, winning two Champions League titles and becoming a firm contender for this year's Ballon d'Or.But at international level, the story is very different. Andy and Lars head to Kvaratskhelia's native T
What have we learned about Jürgen Klopp's Germany?
It wasn't just Jürgen Klopp who was starting his fresh project last night, but his opposite number too! Xavi's Netherlands side were the first to try their luck against Klopp's Germany, and in the end the points were shared. But what exactly did we learn from the former Liverpool boss' first game in charge?Kevin Hatchard joins Andy to discuss that. Plus, Jorge Jesus keeps Cristiano
Zidane's the man
It's the dawn of a new era for both Italy and France on the international stage. Roberto Mancini, at the second time of asking, is set for his first game back in charge of the Azzurri. Can an old face bring fresh ideas to a nation so desperate for success?Nicky Bandini joins Dotun and Andy to preview what his second spell in charge might bring. Plus, France begin their new venture under the ma
An Egyptian masterclass in Türkiye
Even Mohamed Salah couldn't have dreamed up a better first outing against Galatasaray. A hat-trick and an assist later, are we witnessing the start of a beautiful partnership with Thomas Reis?Andy is joined by Turkish football expert Engin Kehale to unpack a dominant Trabzonspor performance and a sobering reality check for Galatasaray. Did Victor Osimhen's absence just expose Okan Buruk's over-rel
Ask OTC: What happened with Real Madrid and Ceuta?
The unfolding humanitarian crisis in Ceuta has made headlines all over the world, and some clubs in La Liga wanted to make their feelings known. But what happens when their own players want to carry a different message?Dotun and Andy are joined by Tom Allnutt to unpack the situation. Elsewhere, why have recently high-flying Lens sacked their manager already? Has Liam Rosenior found his new home in
We’re gonna score five more than you
There's something of the Kevin Keegan about Hansi Flick's Barcelona. 33 goals scored in their opening seven games of the season. Yes, you heard that right. Thirty-three! Their goalscoring exploits are without doubt the best in Europe, but their ability to keep the ball out of the net? Well, that's a different question...Tom Allnutt makes his OTC debut alongside Dotun and Andy to take a look at Bar
Willkommen in Elversberg
Welcome to Elversberg, make sure you’re wearing sturdy footwear and please mind the scaffolding.It was a proper David vs Goliath story in the Bundesliga this weekend as Bayern Munich travelled to new boys Elversberg. Today, Andy is joined by Archie Rhind-Tutt to assess what Bayern’s 2-1 win means for both sides. Plus, despite the romance of the Elversberg story, does the Bundesliga need more of th
A resignation, but for who Archie Brown?
Thursday night Champions League fixtures do still feel a little bit weird, and that weirdness was matched on and off the pitch last night. After Fenerbahçe's 1-1 draw with Roma, their manager İsmail Kartal announced his resignation in the post-match press conference. Unfortunately for left-back Archie Brown, nobody gave him a heads up.Lars Sivertsen joins Andy to dissect Thursday night's action, i
Is Max Allegri in trouble already?
Ladies and gentlemen, the Champions League is back! Unfortunately for Napoli though, their opening night defeat to Arsenal makes it three losses on the bounce for Max Allegri. At a club as unforgiving as Aurelio De Laurentiis' Napoli, might he already be nearing an exit?Miguel Delaney joins Dotun and Andy from Naples to give us the lowdown. Plus, José Mourinho gets his first Champions League win b
Can Juventus and Milan return to the top?
our years without lifting the scudetto is far too long for a storied club like Milan, but six years for Juventus really does take the biscuit. Now, with the table reset, a summer transfer window finished, and fresh faces through the door, can we expect something more from these two giants of the Italian game who have been down on their luck for the last half-decade?Nicky Bandini joins Andy to brea
Ask OTC: Will Rafael Leão reach his potential at Galatasaray?
Rafael Leão has been the first name on AC Milan's team sheet since the early 2020s, but there’s always been a feeling that he hasn’t reached the heights many predicted for him. Will his move to Galatasaray change that?Lars joins Andy and Dotun to discuss. Also, what will Ibrahim Mbaye offer Aston Villa? Why did Folarin Balogun's move to Everton fall through? And to round off our look at deadline d
Clocking up the air miles
It was a deadline day of decisions for young Malick Fofana who ate breakfast thinking he was going to Arsenal, sipped his French onion soup at lunchtime eyeing up a move to Crystal Palace, but ended up having dinner in Sunderland.Lars Sivertsen joins Dotun and Andy to detail the extraordinary story of Fofana's move to the Black Cats. Plus, is Borussia Dortmund the right move for Ethan Nwaneri? How
Ask OTC: Do Liverpool really need Bradley Barcola?
Liverpool have finally got their man - but do they actually need him?Kevin Hatchard joins Andy and Dotun to get into that. Also, what kind of reception did José Mourinho receive at the Bernabéu? How did LASK pull off their Champions League comeback against Celtic? And, of course, we ask Kevin for his favourite stadium in the Bundesliga.Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us her
Does the Bundesliga have a Bayern problem?
It's never exactly a hot take to suggest Bayern Munich might come away as Bundesliga champions, and that's very much the case for this season once again. With Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen both in transition, might this be the season where Vincent Kompany's side surpass even the lofty heights of Pep Guardiola's time at the club?Kevin Hatchard makes his debut on the show to discuss that pr
Inside the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup
While the so-called 'traditional curtain-raiser' may not get much respect in England, in Germany it carries much more weight. This season, the German Supercup was a trophy that both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund wanted to win. So clearly, this wasn't one Andy could possibly miss.He spent the weekend in Dortmund to watch Niko Kovač's BVB take on Vincent Kompany's double-winners.Ask us a quest
Ask OTC: Is Davide Ancelotti a nepo baby or master communicator?
The start of Ligue 1 this weekend sees Davide Ancelotti begin his first managerial job in Europe. And it's with a huge club competing in this season's Champions League: Lille.Dotun and Andy are joined by Nicky Bandini to discuss Ancelotti's credentials and whether he's ready for the jump. Elsewhere, Nicky reflects on Gennaro Gattuso's disastrous start at Lazio, while Andy explains why Jobe Belling
If you come for Inter, you best not miss
Inter's domination last season has left us wondering who on earth can beat them. AC Milan, Napoli and Juventus still have plenty to prove, so should the focus be on a recently unified Roma, or perhaps even a Como project that is more coherent than Inter's...?Nicky Bandini joins Andy & Dotun to offer her expertise. Plus, why a win against Málaga still hasn't eased Diego Simeone's fears of an un
Why Mo Salah signed for Trabzonspor
Travel back twelve months, Mo Salah was a Premier League champion and had just signed a new two-year contract with Liverpool. How come he ended up signing for Trabzonspor just a year later on a free transfer?Today, Andy speaks to Melissa Reddy, who maps out Mo Salah’s last twelve months, from feeling undervalued at Liverpool to choosing Türkiye. Join us to learn the full story.Buy a copy of Meliss
Ask OTC: Is Paul Pogba's career over?
A year on from his move to Monaco, Paul Pogba's contract could be terminated any day now. What went wrong? And can he still find a landing spot for the final days of his career at the top level?Dotun is joined by Andy and David Cartlidge to discuss that – plus, what we expect from Djed Spence's exciting move to Inter, why Xavi as Netherlands head coach could be a match made in heaven, and Andy and
La Liga fires the starting gun
Spain are first out of the blocks this weekend, but with none of the big three involved, it's a great chance for some of the dark horses to take the stage - chiefly, Villarreal. Dotun and Andy are joined by David Cartlidge to dissect Villarreal’s ambitions, whether Sevilla can halt their unbelievable fall from grace, and some concerning trends in the transfer market.Elsewhere in España, Julián Alv
Ask OTC: Who needs Rodri more, Barcelona or Real Madrid?
While being the best midfielder in world football has it's perks, it also comes with one major headache: choosing between Barcelona and Real Madrid. But which of Spain's two giants would get the most out of Rodri?Jonathan Johnson joins Dotun & Andy to answer that and more of your questions! Is Kvicha Kvaratskhelia a realistic Ballon d’Or contender? What does Andy make of Roma ahead of the new
A Turkish delight
Silly season is well and truly upon us. Who could have predicted Mohamed Salah would end up at Turkish Süper Lig club Trabzonspor? Well, perhaps it makes more sense that it first appears.Jonathan Johnson joins Dotun and Andy to break down why Salah chose Trabzon as his landing spot. But before that, man of the moment Ferran Torres still has his future up in the air. What do Barcelona do with him?
Ask OTC: What's the best next move for Vinícius Júnior?
Vinícius Júnior is this summer’s biggest talking point as his Real Madrid future remains uncertain. Arsenal's interest combined with growing questions from the Bernabéu hierarchy begs the question: should he stay, or should he go?Lars Sivertsen joins Andy and Dotun to discuss that and answer your questions! Would Bradley Barcola thrive in Liverpool’s attack? Does Endrick have a future under José M
The end of the world's game as we know it?
It's not the first time FIFA president Gianni Infantino has sparked an outrage, but might he finally have taken it one step too far? Lars Sivertsen joins Dotun and Andy to explain why FIFA's move could change international football forever.Plus, a perfectly smooth transition from Didier Deschamps to Zinedine Zidane for France, but a calamity for Italy as they return to Roberto Mancini after three
Inside Shakhtar Donetsk's extraordinary 2025/26 season
Shakhtar Donetsk are a football club like no other. Displaced from their home, they still compete at the top level of European football and dominate domestically. But that's just half the story.In this special edition of On The Continent, Andy Brassell takes you inside this extraordinary club to watch Shakhtar's season unfold and follow its latest crop of Brazilian talents – Pedrinho, Alisson and
Ask OTC: Why do so many elite managers fail at international football?
Carlo Ancelotti, Julian Nagelsmann, Ronald Koeman. These managers have proved themselves at club level, but why do they falter in international football? What are the biggest differences between coaching a national team and a club?Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge are here to answer your World Cup questions! Which players have boosted their chances of a big move this summer? Was the 48-team format a
Spain win the World Cup! | 2026 FIFA World Cup
It's sweet victory for the European continent at this year's World Cup, with Spain taking the honours. Congratulations to them and the team Luis de la Fuente so brilliantly built. So, just how did he do it? And might they be the side to dominate international football for the next decade?David Cartlidge sits down with Dotun and Andy to discuss that. Plus, how do we reflect on the tournament as a w
The final is set | 2026 FIFA World Cup
Our 2026 World Cup final is locked in. An incredible performance by Luis de la Fuente's Spain sets up a tantalising final against Argentina.Nicky Bandini joins Andy to break down what went right for Spain and what went very, very wrong for Didier Deschamps and France. Plus, as Lionel Scaloni's side battle past England, we debate whether they should be starting Lautaro Martínez or Julián Alvarez al
Unstoppable forces and immovable objects | 2026 FIFA World Cup
The semi-finals of the World Cup are upon us! First up is a clash which really could be a final in itself, France vs Spain. Will Lamine Yamal take it up a gear, or will the enduring force of Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise prove that the French have more firepower than the Spanish?David Cartlidge joins Dotun and Andy to preview that ginormous fixture. Meanwhile, two of the tournament's main undera
The return of old friends | 2026 FIFA World Cup
It's a week of reunions over these World Cup quarter-finals. First up, a repeat of the 2022 World Cup semi-final between France and Morocco. It's funny how much (and also how little) can change in four years. Plus, Borussia Dortmund's two great exports of recent times face up as Erling Haaland's Norway prepares for battle with Jude Bellingham's England.Nicky Bandini joins Dotun and Andy to dive in
Norway stun Brazil, France battle past Paraguay & the Iberian derby | 2026 FIFA World Cup
Well, would you look at that! Norway, appearing at their first World Cup since 1998, have knocked five-time world champions Brazil out of the World Cup. But... are we really in a position to call that a shock?Jonathan Johnson joins Dotun and Andy to debate that and discuss the problems they may cause England in the quarter-finals. Plus, the French juggernaut keeps on moving, despite Paraguay's bes
Belgium squeeze through, Mbappé's brilliance, and the big boys crash out | 2026 FIFA World Cup
Belgium were down and out... until they weren't! Romelu Lukaku was the man to kick-start the Belgian revival in Seattle. But are they doing anything more than just covering the cracks?David Cartlidge joins Dotun and Andy to dissect last night's action. Plus, Kylian Mbappé's brilliance shines through once again and we have our first major European casualties! Despair for Germany as they lose on pen
How FC Augsburg are capitalising on the World Cup | 2026 FIFA World Cup
If you’ve ever wondered how elite clubs in Europe use the World Cup to improve things back home, you’ve come to the right place!On today’s OTC Special, Andy is joined by FC Augsburg CEO Michael Ströll and Sporting Director Benjamin Weber to discuss how they are utilising the world’s biggest tournament to benefit their club.Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footba
Bring on the jeopardy | 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 72-game group stage of the 2026 World Cup has come to an end and the knockouts have begun! So, after we've seen what our European sides have to offer, how are we feeling about their chances?Jonathan Johnson joins Dotun and Andy to assess the main runners and riders (all still standing... for now). Are France and Spain still our favourites? Have Germany and the Netherlands been a pleasant surpr
Is HE really back? | 2026 FIFA World Cup
Love him or loathe him, you simply cannot ignore Cristiano Ronaldo. "I'm back" was what he exclaimed down the camera lens after his two goals against Uzbekistan, but is he *really* back?David Cartlidge and Nicky Bandini join Dotun to debate that. Plus, Switzerland top Group B with victory over Canada. Can this tournament's quiet achievers trouble the knockout rounds? And finally, Norway are much m
The art of sangfroid | 2026 FIFA World Cup
Luckily for Spain, the arrival gates in the US were still open before their second game of this year's World Cup. After failing to put in a credible display against Cape Verde, they certainly righted that wrong with a convincing win against Saudi Arabia.Andy and Lars Sivertsen dial in from Dallas to tell Dotun what that comprehensive result could mean for their tournament. Plus, Belgian falter aga
The age-old Cristiano Ronaldo question | 2026 FIFA World Cup
Another major tournament for Portugal, another debate on whether Cristiano Ronaldo should be starting for them. After his sub-par performance in Portugal's 1-1 World Cup draw with DR Congo, Lars Sivertsen joins Dotun and Andy to once again question why Roberto Martínez is sticking with his 41-year-old captain up top.Elsewhere, France get the better of Senegal in a thrilling encounter. Could this b
A Dutch ding-dong, Germany thrash Curaçao & turbulence for Türkiye | 2026 FIFA World Cup
The World Cup is up and running! We were treated to an excellent selection of games over the opening weekend, but was Netherlands 2-2 Japan the pick of the bunch?David Cartlidge and Jonathan Johnson join Dotun to dissect that match. Plus, Germany dominate Curaçao (but not without a brief scare) & Türkiye start their World Cup campaign in the worst possible way with defeat to Australia.Ask us a
Ask OTC: Who will win the World Cup? | 2026 FIFA World Cup
The World Cup is underway, and while a record 48 countries began the tournament, only one will lift the trophy. Most people think it’s a two-horse race between France and Spain - but who will emerge victorious?Dotun and Andy are joined by Nicky Bandini to answer that, and more of your World Cup questions! Which group will be the most competitive? What unknown player will make the biggest splash? I
The two sides of a World Cup | 2026 FIFA World Cup
By now we're well used to World Cups build-ups being overshadowed by controversies in the host country, or in this case countries. Usually, those issues begin to fade from the headlines once the football starts, but is that really going to be the case this year?Nicky Bandini joins Dotun and Andy to discuss the plethora of issues affecting this year's World Cup. Meanwhile, of course, there is still
The France Preview | 2026 FIFA World Cup
Didier Deschamps' titans enter this year's World Cup as the team to beat. Champions in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, Les Bleus are the favourites in North America. But can they reclaim this most coveted crown?Andy is joined by OTC regular Jonathan Johnson to dissect France's star-studded squad. Is Kylian Mbappé's influence helpful - or harmful? How do Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué
The Spain Preview | 2026 FIFA World Cup
Spain made history in 2010 when Andrés Iniesta’s extra-time winner delivered their first World Cup. Sixteen years later, a new generation of La Roja head to North America - but how do they emulate the success of those that came before them?Andy is joined by Spanish football journalist Álvaro Romeo to chronicle how Luis de la Fuente transformed Spain and how their tactical unpredictability makes th
The Bosnia and Herzegovina Preview | 2026 FIFA World Cup
With the World Cup just days away, we turn our attention to one of the unlikely stories at this summer's tournament: the return of Bosnia and Herzegovina.Andy is joined by Bosnian football writer Saša Ibrulj as they chart the team's recent history of underperforming and how they've fallen at the final qualification hurdle so many times. But, thanks in part to the excellent work of coach Sergej Bar
The Norway Preview | 2026 FIFA World Cup
In the first of our series of nation previews ahead of the World Cup, we take a close look at the summer's popular dark horses: Norway. Back on the world stage for the first time since 1998 - and with some big players in their ranks - the Norwegians are certainly getting a lot of attention. But can this golden generation handle the pressure? Dotun and Andy are joined by the best person to ask, Lar
Is North America ready to host the World Cup?
The start of North America's first World Cup in over 30 years is just days away, but despite the excitement reverberating around the world ahead of kick-off at the Azteca, are the three host nations really ready to host the world's game on their turf?North American football expert Jon Arnold joins Dotun and Andy to discuss how things are feeling on the ground in the US, Canada & Mexico. Plus,
Are we in the midst of a Parisian dynasty?
Paris Saint-Germain have done it again! It's back to back Champions League victories for Luis Enrique and his post-Mbappé project, so how long can they keep it up for?Lars Sivertsen joins Andy to dissect the game and explore the options PSG have going into the off-season. Can they resist the temptation of returning to the superstars? Will they reach further into the talent bank that is the city of
Ask OTC: Why have Barcelona signed Anthony Gordon?
Anthony Gordon’s blistering rise has made him one of football’s hottest properties, but even we couldn't have predicted a move to Barcelona for a reported €80 million. Where does he fit into Hansi Flick's star-studded attack, if at all?Nicky Bandini joins Andy and Dotun for the final round of questions of this domestic season! Can Gennaro Gattuso revive Lazio? Are Bayer Leverkusen taking a risk on
It all comes down to this
European football's premier competition has rarely experienced a season with quite so much drama. And as it reaches its denouement, can anybody really predict the outcome of this year's Champions League final between the French champions PSG, and England's title-winners Arsenal?Perhaps you can't, but Dotun is joined by Andy and Nicky Bandini to give you the lowdown on what you can predict. PSG's w
OTC Special: Ole Gunnar Solskjær on Istanbul and the transition from player to manager
Before last week’s Europa League final, Dotun and Andy flew to Istanbul to meet former Beşiktaş manager and Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjær and record a special episode in front of a live audience!Ole told us all about his life in Istanbul, his fond memories of the city and, of course, his incredible time at Manchester United as both a player and a coach.Thank you to official UEFA Eur
Ask OTC: Comparing Kompany and Chivu, Marseille’s money problems, and can Rayo Vallecano win the Conference League?
As the 2025/26 season across Europe enters its swansong, Andy is joined by Jonathan Johnson and Lars Sivertsen to answer more of your questions!Are there parallels between Vincent Kompany and Christian Chivu after their stellar domestic seasons? Why are Marseille heading towards a financial crisis? And despite not being the bookies’ favourites, could Rayo Vallecano find a way to beat Crystal Palac
Emery makes it five
Unai Emery makes it five Europa League titles as a manager. How has he done it? Dotun and Andy are in Istanbul to break it down for us.Plus, could we have asked more from Freiburg? And what does back-to-back English wins mean for the future of the competition?Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.For ad-free shows, head ove
Unmasking Real Madrid
Excellence. Discipline. Sacrifice. Few clubs embody these tenets like Real Madrid. Their relentless pursuit of success has made them the biggest institution in world football - but how was that identity built, and does it fit in the modern game?Andy is joined by Miguel Pereira, author of The Greatest: Real Madrid's Never Ending Story, to reveal the power, politics and mythology behind Los Blancos.
Ask OTC: Xabi Alonso’s future, a dilemma in Strasbourg and Mauro Icardi's Turkish legacy
Eight turbulent months at Real Madrid arguably told us more about the squad's shortcomings than they did Xabi Alonso's coaching credentials. So why, with Europe's elite circling one of football's most sought-after coaches, are Chelsea leading the race for his signature?Jonathan Johnson joins Andy and Dotun to answer that and more of your burning questions! What’s the fan-player dynamic like at Str
PSG win Ligue 1 (again, again, and again)
We all know that the current state of Ligue 1 doesn't exactly provide the foundations for a title race which goes down to the wire. This year, it very nearly did though. Lens have been excellent, capitalising on the major underperformances we've seen from Marseille and Monaco, but do they stand any chance of challenging the Parisians in the years to come?Jonathan Johnson joins Dotun and Andy to de
How Barcelona broke Real Madrid to seal La Liga
El Clásico once again delivered drama, but Barcelona didn't just beat Real Madrid - they dismantled them. In the first Clásico at the renovated Camp Nou, Barça showed exactly why they’ve dominated this season's La Liga by exposing just how broken Real Madrid are.Andy is joined by David Cartlidge to dissect it all: a stunning Marcus Rashford free-kick, the electric Camp Nou, and how Real Madrid's c
Ask OTC: What is Kylian Mbappé’s next best move?
Kylian Mbappé’s situation at Real Madrid is deteriorating: yacht trips during games, growing isolation in the dressing room, and fans launching petitions to force him out. So what’s his next best move?Andy and Dotun are joined by Nicky Bandini for more of your questions! Should Pep Guardiola return to the continent? How high is Como’s ceiling? And is multi-club ownership really that bad?Ask us a q
How to build a dynasty
PSG have qualified for back-to-back Champions League finals for the first time in their history. Luis Enrique is clearly doing something right in Paris, but he in the midst of creating something even more special, a dynasty perhaps?Nicky Bandini joins Dotun and Andy to discuss PSG's brilliance and Bayern Munich's shortcomings. Plus, is it time for Atlético Madrid to finally say goodbye to Diego Si
Ask OTC: Edin Terzić's integration, promotion in Spain, and our picks for most entertaining games
Athletic Bilbao is a football club defined by its Basque-only philosophy: the club only uses players developed either in its own academy or elsewhere in the Basque Country. While managers are exempt from this rule, the club has still rarely hired outsiders - so why have they turned to Edin Terzić?David Cartlidge joins Andy and Dotun to answer some of your continental queries! Why did Roma sack Cla
Does football ever get better than that?
We all expected PSG vs Bayern Munich to be good... but that good? Nobody could've predicted that.David Cartlidge joins Dotun and Andy to dissect what was a Champions League game for the ages... and also Atlético Madrid vs Arsenal. It was never going to live up to the standards set on Tuesday, but it was an intriguing game in its own right. Plus, José Mourinho looks set for a Real Madrid return. On
Visiting the new Camp Nou: Cultural wonder or tourist trap?
After two years away, Barcelona have returned to Camp Nou. When finished, it will be the biggest football stadium in Europe and a much-needed financial lifeline for Barcelona.However, what does this mean for local fans? Will inflated ticket prices and the rise of tourism sanitise the experience? Andy visited the new Camp Nou to find out…Ask us a question on X, Instagram and Tik
Where does the balance of power lie in Serie A?
Lars Sivertsen isn't even on the show today, but after Juventus' 0-0 draw away at Milan on Sunday night, you can hear his cries of 'make Juventus fun again' reverberating across the continent. It wasn't a vintage clash between two of Italy's great heavyweights and it's not the first time we've said that this season – what's happening to the broader entertainment value across Serie A this seas
Ask OTC: Liam Rosenior’s options, Bernardo Silva’s next step and Coppa Italia predictions
Chelsea have pulled the trigger again, parting ways with Liam Rosenior after a mere four months at Stamford Bridge, so where should he go to rebuild his reputation? And after yet another managerial sacking, where should Chelsea be looking for a replacement?Lars Sivertsen joins Andy and Dotun to answer more of your questions! Could Bernardo Silva return to Benfica? Should we take notice of Club Bru
The Bernabéu boos again
Things tend to get twitchy when Real Madrid aren't competing for trophies, but the atmosphere you can sense on the Bernabéu terraces is something we haven't seen for a very long time. Their side beat Deportivo Alavés 2-1 on Tuesday, but that didn't stop their own fans booing both Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr in midweek. Something needs to change, and fast.Lars Sivertsen joins Dotun and Andy to di
Real Sociedad win the Copa del Rey
Real Sociedad claimed their first major trophy since 2020 by winning a thrilling Copa del Rey final against Atlético Madrid. Glory for La Real, but yet more misery for Atleti.Lars Sivertsen joins Andy to discuss how unlikely American Head Coach Pellegrino Matarazzo took his side all the way. Plus, heartbreak for Diego Simeone's men after a tough couple of weeks for the Rojiblancos. Can they really
Ask OTC: Did Sporting hold back against Arsenal?
After their ruthless dismantling of Bodø/Glimt, many thought that Sporting would have something to offer an out-of-form Arsenal side - but just one goal across both legs tells a different story. It was a timid performance from Rui Borges' side, but did they deliberately take it easy?Miguel Delaney joins Andy and Dotun to answer more of your burning questions! Why does Aurelio De Laurentiis want to
And then there were four
The Champions League served up yet another all-timer at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night with Bayern Munich putting Real Madrid to the sword. You know you're getting something special when those two teams play, but did anybody expect drama quite like that?Miguel Delaney joins Dotun and Andy to pull apart what the result means for both of those European giants. Plus, Atlético Madrid keep their
Ask OTC: PSG’s resurgence, Manuel Neuer’s legacy and a potential homecoming
After some questionable performances in the previous stage of the Champions League, many doubted whether PSG could retain their European crown. But after such a dominant showing in the first leg of their quarter-final tie against Liverpool, what's stopping them from going all the way to Budapest?Dotun & Andy are joined by David Cartlidge to break it down. We also talk about Manuel Neuer's plac
