On The Continent - A European Football Podcast
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: 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
It’s only half-time...
Atlético Madrid pulled off a shock victory at Camp Nou for the first time since 2006! So, how did they do it and what do they have to do in the second leg to secure their place in the final four?David Cartlidge joins Dotun & Andy to discuss that. Plus, Bayern Munich get a big win at the Bernabéu - all credit to Vincent Kompany and his side, or was the defeat a self-inflicted one for Los Blanco
The creation of Kylian Mbappé, with author Philippe Auclair
We've all heard the term ‘Project Mbappé’. It's used to describe parents pushing their children into football from a young age, inspired by Kylian Mbappé’s father, Wilfrid. But beneath it lies a far more deliberate story - one of meticulous planning, hyper-analysis, and a career mapped out long before Mbappé had even played professional football.Andy is joined by Philippe Auclair, author of The Mb
Ask OTC: Lukaku’s fate, Schlotterbeck’s choice and an English legend at Cesena
After failing to return to training, Romelu Lukaku's future at Napoli hangs in the balance. It seems unbelievable given his relationship with Antonio Conte, but is Lukaku's absence reflective of his time in Naples?Nicky Bandini stands first in line to answer that as she joins Dotun and Andy to answer more of your questions! Could Nico Schlotterbeck be on the move? How has Ashley Cole performed at
If at first you don't succeed, fail, fail again
Yet another disastrous qualification campaign has ended with Italy failing to reach the World Cup for the third successive time. First under Gian Piero Ventura in 2017, then in 2022 with Roberto Mancini, and now in 2026 under the management of Gennaro Gattuso.Nicky Bandini joins Dotun and Andy to express her disappointment, but it's not all doom and gloom! There was euphoria for Sweden, Türkiye, a
Ask OTC: Salah’s next move, Lens’ fixture dispute and could Klopp return?
The news of Mohamed Salah's Liverpool exit reverberated across the football world. Some have linked him to the Saudi Pro League, others to MLS - but would staying in Europe actually be his best move? And if so, where should he go next?Nicky Bandini joins Andy and Dotun to tackle more of your questions. Were Ligue 1 right to accommodate PSG's Champions League schedule? Could Jürgen Klopp return to
Just don't mess it up
Italy, we send you one simple message ahead of your World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland tonight. Please, all you have to do is not screw it up. But will it really be as straight forward as it should - emphasis on SHOULD - be for a nation that hasn't been at the world's biggest tournament since 2014?Nicky Bandini joins Dotun and Andy to share her anxiety. Plus, after La Liga's mo
De Klassieker exposes Ajax and Feyenoord's flaws
There was a time when De Klassieker represented the very best that Dutch football had to offer. Long gone are the days of Frenkie de Jong, Wesley Sneijder, Dirk Kuyt and of course the countless Netherlands legends who passed through Feyenoord and Ajax in the 20th century. What we're left with are two sides nowhere near the standard of title contenders.Andy is joined by Dutch journalist Kalum van O
Ask OTC: Galatasaray’s latest stumble, Troy Parrott’s impressive form and Joan Laporta’s return!
Dotun, Andy and Miguel Delaney are here to answer more of your questions after another wonderfully chaotic week of European football. They start with another disappointing exit for Galatasaray and ask what can be done to improve their fortunes on future European adventures. Plus: exciting times at Málaga, the transfer futures of Enzo Fernández and Troy Parrott, and Joan Laporta’s return to Barcelo
And then there were eight
The wheat has truly been separated from the chaff in the Champions League. Atlético Madrid face Barcelona in an all-Spanish quarter-final - will Diego Simeone finally break their European duck?Miguel Delaney joins Dotun and Andy for a blockbuster Champions League show. Can Real Madrid find a way past the indomitable Bayern Munich? Plus, why are Sporting flying under everyone’s radar?Ask us a quest
Barcelona smoke Sevilla with one eye on Newcastle
Five goals, a Raphinha hat-trick, Gavi returning to action, and still resting some legs: Barcelona couldn't have asked for a better prelude to their Champions League second leg against Newcastle.Andy and David discuss their 5-2 victory over Sevilla in a game that – once more – put the importance of Raphinha to this team in block capitals. More surprising was the return of vintage João Cancelo. Di
Ask OTC: Fede Valverde’s true position, Nice’s possible relegation and a Roman revolution
For a long time, Federico Valverde was used in a deep role for Real Madrid. But after scoring a blockbuster hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League, has he been playing in the wrong position all along? Could he become a mainstay in Real's attack?Andy and Dotun are joined by Lars Sivertsen to decipher that. Also, what will Julian Brandt's legacy be at Borussia Dortmund? Are OGC Ni
The resilience of champions
The French media were insistent that Paris Saint-Germain came into their game against Chelsea as underdogs. Well, they certainly proved those critics wrong. A display of incredible resilience has put the Parisians firmly in the driving seat ahead of their return leg at Stamford Bridge. Somehow, are the defending champions the dark horse to win it all?Lars Sivertsen joins Dotun and Andy to heap pra
Milan win the Derby della Madonnina
We thought the door was shut, but have Milan blown the Serie A title race wide open again? Victory for the red side of Milan against their city rivals has certainly given Inter something to think about. Only seven points are in it with ten games to play. Can Max Allegri's side do the unthinkable and challenge Inter for the Scudetto?Nicky Bandini joins Andy to dissect a game which may well have hug
Ask OTC: Real Madrid's expectations, Flamengo's puzzling decision, and Portugal's Nordic takeover
At Real Madrid, losing isn’t acceptable. Drawing isn’t acceptable. Conceding can feel like failure. Álvaro Arbeloa has done the unthinkable: two defeats in a row - first to Osasuna, then to Getafe at the Bernabéu. So, how tenuous is the Spaniard's position?Dotun and Andy are joined by David Cartlidge to answer that. Also, could Oliver Glasner replace Jürgen Klopp at Red Bull? Why did Flamengo sack
This is Atleti
In typical Atlético Madrid style, Diego Simeone's side have dragged themselves into the Copa del Rey final kicking and screaming. Only this Atleti team could turn a 4-0 lead from the first leg into a nerve-wracking finish. But their fans won't care!David Cartlidge joins Dotun and Andy to discuss what that result means for both Atleti and Barça. Plus, Bayer Leverkusen get a much-needed win to keep
Bayern win Der Klassiker!
There's no 'good time' to play Bayern Munich, but in the form they've been in this season, any Bundesliga side would rightly head into that game expecting a thrashing. Borussia Dortmund gave them a right good go! Ultimately though, there simply is no stopping the juggernaut that Vincent Kompany has assembled.Archie Rhind-Tutt was at Signal Iduna Park and joined Andy Brassell to dissect a thriller
Ask OTC: Italian embarrassment, Real Madrid's ugly side, and Barça's election season
It's no exaggeration to say that this season has been calamitous for Italian football. Almost every Serie A team is out of the Champions League, the national team faces a World Cup playoff, and the stadia are decaying. So how did it all go wrong, and more importantly, how can things be put right?David Cartlidge joins Andy and Dotun to answer that. Also, the guys discuss Real Madrid's historic asso
Mountains are there to be climbed
It was a night of comebacks in the Champions League. Atalanta succeeded in knocking Borussia Dortmund off of their perch, and Juventus came oh so close to producing a classic in Turin. After the curtain fell though, just one of Italy's four teams made it through to the next round. Is Italian football in crisis?David Cartlidge joins Dotun and Andy to debate that. Plus, Bodø/Glimt make history after
PSG pass muster against Monaco
It was advantage PSG after a close first leg, so no wonder they were rattled after Monaco took the lead at the Parc des Princes. Despite a late Parisian comeback, Monaco’s promising start left us thinking: why did they take their foot off the gas? And, after a nervy start, can PSG retain their European crown?On a wild night in the Champions League, join Andy and Jonathan Johnson live in Paris to d
Ask OTC: Nick Woltemade's future, Marseille uncertainty, and how to sink the Super League
'Idiots' was the term that Karl-Heinz Rummenigge used to describe Newcastle after they paid £69m for German striker Nick Woltemade. Six months into his Newcastle career and he has seven Premier League goals - a mixed return. With reports of unrest and speculation mounting over a possible exit, was Rummenigge right?Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini are here to offer their assessment. Also, is the Serie
Pick on someone your own size
The Champions League's 'Big Boys' are well used to giving the competition's smaller teams a spanking... but not this week! Up in the Arctic Circle Bodø/Glimt pulled off another shock by beating Inter 3-1, and Atlético Madrid were punished too after drawing 3-3 at Club Brugge on Wednesday. Won't the real big boys please stand up!Nicky Bandini joins Dotun and Andy to discuss a chaotic midweek of act
Derby d'rama!
Inter 3-2 Juventus sounds like a fascinating game on paper, but my goodness me, that doesn't tell nearly half the story.Nicky Bandini joins Andy to discuss a classic at San Siro. Will Pierre Kalulu's red card be a turning point for modern football? Have Inter wrapped up the title? And are Juventus still top four contenders? We discuss it all.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram a
Ask OTC: Thomas Frank’s future, Chukwuemeka’s choice, and a romantic detour
After an acrimonious exit from North London, could a future on mainland Europe be the perfect next step for Thomas Frank as he looks to regain his managerial reputation?Lars Sivertsen joins Andy and Dotun to deliver a damning verdict. Also, could Real Madrid secure another Borussia Dortmund alumnus in Nico Schlotterbeck? Will Óscar García lay the foundations for an Ajax rebuild? And, on the eve of
Roberto DeSerted
Who could have known that after all this time, it is us who moves the thumb to signal the demise of managers in Europe. After Jonathan Johnson joined Andy earlier this week to discuss Marseille's mauling at the Parc des Princes, Roberto De Zerbi has left the Stade Vélodrome by mutual consent.Today however, it's Lars Sivertsen who accompanies Dotun and Andy to discuss the news of his departure. Plu
OM-G (Marseille mauled by PSG)
Le Classique is rarely a close affair, but 5-0 is a result that nobody could have predicted. Marseille totally outclassed by PSG in a night that could have some serious implications.Jonathan Johnson joins Andy to assess the current state of the Ligue 1 title race, the future of Roberto De Zerbi, Pablo Longoria & Medhi Benatia at Marseille, and whether we still have a title race in France.Ask u
Ask OTC: Should UEFA boycott the World Cup?
In 2018, FIFA member states voted overwhelmingly to give the USA, Canada and Mexico hosting rights for the 2026 World Cup, a decision hailed as historic for the sport's breakthrough into the US mainstream. Eight years later, there are renewed calls for UEFA to boycott the tournament after Donald Trump made clear his intention to potentially invade Greenland - but how realistic is this prospect?Mig
The state of Europe's title races
And breathe... the league phase of the Champions League is finally over, which means we can get back to some domestic action! So what is the state of play in the title races of Europe's biggest leagues?Miguel Delaney joins Dotun and Andy to discuss the runners and riders in La Liga, Serie A and the Bundesliga. Could we be in for some shocks as we enter the season's final months?Find us on Blu
European transfer round-up
In perhaps the most important January transfer window of the last few years with a summer World Cup around the corner, there wasn't a huge amount of movement in the market. But why was that?Miguel Delaney joins Andy to discuss Ademola Lookman's move to Atletico Madrid, Jean-Philippe Mateta's failed medical at Milan, and a busy day for Roberto De Zerbi at Marseille.Ask us a question on Twitter
