On The Continent - A European Football Podcast
Episodes
Goalsland
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Two wins from two for Bayer Leverkusen but are they contenders for the Champions League? Today, Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini assess how equipt Xabi A...
OTC Reacts: A controversial Madrid derby finishes level
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Some off-pitch drama turbocharged what was threatening to be a fairly underwhelming Madrid derby. Join Andy Brassell and David Cartlidge for their rea...
Ask OTC: Vlahović's future at Juventus, Mourinho does a Mourinho, and which Milan club is in the better position?
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With Arsenal seemingly interested in Dušan Vlahović, is it time for Juventus to look for a replacement striker? After José Mourinho failed to atten...
Barça back on track?
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen touch base in the middle of a chaotic opening round of Europa League fixtures - just as well Lars is on to talk about a...
Ask OTC: Roma sack Daniele De Rossi, Bayern thrash Zagreb, and players on strike
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Daniele De Rossi has been sacked by Roma, but is replacing him with Ivan Jurić the right move? Bayern Munich thrash Dinamo Zagreb, but is it a surpri...
A home for broken toys
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are Juventus one of the most interesting teams in Europe? Today, David Cartlidge tells Dotun and Andy why Thiago Motta’s side are currently one of h...
Ask OTC: John Textor & Everton, a big week for Angel Gomes, and do Sweden have a new Zlatan?
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Lyon's John Textor says that buying Everton would be like becoming US president, but how serious is he about the purchase? Angel Gomes shone for Engla...
Are PSG better now?
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is Griezmann the question or is Alvarez the answer to Atlético Madrid’s season? Today, Dotun, Andy and Jonathan Johnson explain how Atleti can succ...
Ask OTC: Torrid times at Sevilla, England to Türkiye, and Mats Hummels to Italia
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Things are bad at Sevilla, but can they get even worse? The summer transfer window has slammed shut, except in Türkiye that is. So which Pr...
The Osimhen Myth
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Make no mistake about it: Victor Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray has shocked European football. But also – thanks to Napoli’s mismanagement – it...
Ask OTC: Federico Chiesa’s fresh start, Dortmund’s new hope, and celebrating Sven-Göran Eriksson
30 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen are here with more answers to your various continental queries. We give you the lowdown on Federico Chiesa’s move to ...
The elephant in the boardroom
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Lars Sivertsen would like to call Barcelona a circus - but that would be unfair to a lot of functioning circuses.Today, Lars joins Dotun and Andy...
Ask OTC: Why İlkay Gündoğan offended Barcelona, the Berardi dilemma, and what are Man United getting with Ugarte?
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
İlkay Gündoğan is leaving Barcelona after just one season, so why are they relaxed about letting him go? As PSG look set to sell Manuel Ugarte so q...
Thiago Motta: A New Hope?
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Juventus made an eye-catching start to Serie A, but is it too early to get excited? Today, Nicky Bandini tells Dotun and Andy how Thiago Motta has alr...
Ask OTC: David de Gea returns, Europe’s talent factories and Alexis Sanchez’s swan song
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As the European football season fast approaches Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge are here to bring you up to speed with all the latest from an inc...
They’re Real Ominous, Madrid
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Club football returns across Europe this weekend – and Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge are here with all the biggest talking points for you.Real Mad...
Ask OTC: New title contenders, a Neves-Sanches swap, and a big move to ‘little’ Bournemouth
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With the brand new season just around the corner, which title-holders in Europe are most likely to be dethroned? How will João Neves and Renato Sanch...
The new Antoine Griezmann?
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you been wondering how on earth Atlético Madrid can afford Julián Álvarez? Then you're in the right place. Today, Dotun, Andy and Lars Siverts...
Ask OTC: Club World Cup latest, under-the-radar transfers, and will any clubs follow Bordeaux?
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After the Premier League’s lawsuit against FIFA, what will happen to the Club World Cup? And what’s at stake if it does go ahead?Elsewhere, will a...
The Osimhen effect
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Wondering why it’s been a relatively quiet transfer window so far? Today, Dotun, Andy and Miguel Delaney are here to outline why the sale of Victor ...
Ask OTC: A Conte-Lukaku reunion, Bayer Leverkusen’s title defence, and why Nico Williams’ move to Barcelona isn’t inevitable
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is a Nico Williams departure from Athletic Bilbao less likely than we all think? Are Antonio Conte and Romelu Lukaku about to be reunited once more? H...
The Anglo-Italian highway
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Riccardo Calafiori looks like he'll be the next player travelling down the Anglo-Italian highway. But why are so many players moving between Italy and...
OTC Special: French football’s television trauma
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
French football has finally agreed a new TV deal, just one month before the start of the new season. But what does it all mean?Today, Andy is joined b...
Ask OTC: Catching up with club football, Álvaro Morata’s fresh start, and Mason Greenwood’s reception in Marseille
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What’s the biggest news you might have missed during Euro 2024? Dotun, Andy and Lars are here to catch you on all the summer happenings across the c...
The Italian Manchester United
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As we gear up for the return of domestic football, some of Europe’s top clubs are undergoing a summer rebuild. Today, Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen...
Spain win Euro 2024! Is this the start of something special?
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have we just witnessed the start of the next great Spanish football dynasty? Today, Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge are here to unpick how Spain won E...
Ask OTC: Who’s winning the final, the most impressive outsiders, and a continental clash of cuisines
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With just days until the Euro 2024 champions are crowned Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini answer your questions about the biggest game of the year. Have ...
And then there were two
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our Euro 2024 final has been decided: Spain vs England. How did we get here and what should we expect? Today, Nicky Bandini explains to Dotun and Andy...
Big man summer
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
England and France were both favourites coming into the Euros and have both been heavily criticised for their underwhelming performances. What’s the...
Ask OTC: Portugal’s reaction to Ronaldo, the future of Lamine Yamal, and the consequences of hosting the Euros
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How did Portugal react to Cristiano Ronaldo’s tears? We know what Arda Güler and Lamine Yamal are all about at international level right now – bu...
Spain vs Germany: Is this the final?
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re getting to the business end of Euro 2024! Today, Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge debate who will come out on top in the first quarter-final: S...
Can anyone stop Spain?
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Spain put on a dazzling display last night against favourite OTC hipster pick Georgia. Two players dazzled particularly – Nico Williams and Lamine Y...
Ask OTC: Emerging stars, the tactics of international football, and Germany vs Spain
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With the group stages finished up Dotun, Andy and Jonathan Johnson are here to answer all of your burning questions!We wonder if Germany and Spain hav...
The French Disconnection and awesome Austria
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dotun, Andy and Jonathan Johnson take stock of the biggest stories that have emerged from the group stages thus far. We hear about the pressure on Did...
Deschamps the Cowardly Coach
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Germany have topped their group… just. Today, David Cartlidge explains to Dotun and Andy how other teams can take inspiration from Switzerland when ...
OTC Reacts: Nico Williams’ night
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Spain 1 - 0 Italy… doesn’t really do it justice, does it? Today, Andy and David Cartlidge are here to react to an eye-catching performance from Sp...
We’re going to Berlin
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Things are hotting up in Germany, but are the home fans starting to believe? Today, Archie Rhind-Tutt tells Dotun and Andy how the German fans are sta...
Germany have the vibes
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to winning a major tournament, how important are vibes? Today Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini are here to explain how Germany’s recent i...
Ask OTC: Euro 2024 breakout stars, what are Scotland’s chances and what country has the best food?
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As we get ready for Euro 2024 Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen are here to answer all of your questions ahead of the tournament. Who is going ...
Euro 2024 Preview
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re finally here! Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen are here with everything you need to know about the most intriguing teams and players across the ...
Euro 2024 Preview: Germany
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"Rhythm Is a Dancer, is Nagelsmann’s the answer?" That’s the question that Dotun and Andy are asking Archie Rhind-Tutt on our final Euro 2024 prev...
Euro 2024 Preview: Portugal
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leão, João Félix, João Palhinha, Rúben Dias… These are just some of the players in the Portugal squad. ...
Euro 2024 Preview: Belgium
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Belgium are the perennial tournament dark horses of the modern era. But, as their golden generation starts to fade away, how are the Red Devil’s sha...
Ask OTC: PSG’s global appeal, Benjamin Šeško’s Premier League potential, and Serie A coaching curveballs
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As the curtain falls on continental club football for another season, Dotun, Andy and Jonathan Johnson tackle some of your burning questions about var...
Is Kylian Mbappé ready for Euro 2024?
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After two years of speculation, Kylian Mbappé has finally got his move to Real Madrid! But before that, he has the pressing issue of Euro 2024. Today...
Euro 2024 Preview: Romania
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Romania shocked everyone by qualifying for Euro 2024 without losing a single game! On today’s Euros preview, Romanian Football journalist Emanuel Ro...
Euro 2024 Preview: Ukraine
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ahead of Euro 2024, OTC will be releasing a series of episodes where we speak to the experts and bring you some fascinating insight into some of the t...
OTC Reacts: Real Madrid win the Champions League
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
La Décimoquinta is here! Real Madrid are European Champions for the fifteenth time. Today, Andy and David Cartlidge discuss how Madrid won the final....
Ask OTC: Europe’s most underrated teams, Serie A’s European charge, and what next for Sérgio Conceição?
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As the European domestic season draws to a close, we highlight a few of this season’s most underrated teams and tip our hats to an unlikely title wi...
A historic night for Olympiacos
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Olympiacos made history last night by becoming the first club team from Greece to win a European trophy, in their rival's backyard as well. Today, And...
Ask OTC: Kompany to Bayern, De Zerbi to Barcelona, and the Belgian playoffs
24 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why on earth are Bayern Munich trying to confirm Vincent Kompany as their next manager? Where next for Mauricio Pochettino, has he exhausted his optio...
Lookman’s final
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ademola Lookman became the 17th player in history to receive a 10/10 rating in L'Équipe last night. And more importantly, he helped Atalanta win thei...
Ask OTC: Cesc Fàbregas at Como, José Mourinho in Saudi, and Khéphren Thuram’s future
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is the INEOS takeover at Manchester United bad news for Nice? And why could they be about to lose one of their prized assets - Khéphren Thuram - for ...
Au revoir Kylian
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
256 goals, 108 assists and one mediocre send off. Today, Dotun, Andy and Nicky look at Kylian Mbappé’s PSG legacy and explain why he might not be l...
OTC Special: Inside Vitesse’s record breaking points-deduction
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One of the defining stories of this season’s Premier League has been - you guessed it - points deductions. But over in the Netherlands, Eredivisie s...
Ask OTC: Fonseca to Marseille, the fall of FC Köln, and Parma’s return to Serie A
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If Paulo Fonseca gets the Marseille job, is he the right man to take them forward? How do Juventus restore themselves as the dominant force in Serie A...
Madrid Mania
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Joselu was the hero in Madrid. Should we have expected anything else? Today, Andy, Nicky Bandini and David Cartlidge explain why Joselu having the lim...
Ask OTC: Coaching free agents, relegation playoffs, and the perception of Brits abroad
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Andy is joined by Lars Sivertsen and Jonathan Johnson to tuck into some more intriguing questions as the European domestic season reaches its dramatic...
Dortmund enjoy the Füll Krug
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Unbelievably Dortmund has the best defensive record in the Champions League this season. Today Andy Brassell is joined by Lars Sivertsen and Jonathan ...
OTC Special: How André Villas-Boas became FC Porto president
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It was a historic weekend in Portuguese football. Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa’s 42-year reign as president of FC Porto came to an end after André Vil...
Ask OTC: The rise of Arne Slot, La Liga in the US, and Sassuolo’s slide
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Does Arne Slot have what it takes to succeed Jürgen Klopp? With La Liga’s president talking about games in the US, how much can European leagues re...
I’m here, I am staying here
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“Io sto qua e io resto qua” (I’m here, I am staying here). The king of the cups, Simone Inzaghi, has finally gone one step further and won his f...
OTC Special: Celebrating the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
10 days ago, Bayer Leverkusen won their first ever Bundesliga. Bayern Munich were dethroned at last. Last week, Andy Brassell...
Ask OTC: Why players want to play for Barcelona, De Rossi’s hard launch at Roma and the impact Lewis Ferguson’s injury
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How come English teams are playing the most continental style of football in Europe? Why do players move to Barcelona when it has become a “clown ho...
A Rüdiger Awakening
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
And then there were four. Dotun and Andy are joined by Lars Sivertsen to get their heads around a dramatic conclusion to the Champions League last eig...
Ask OTC: What’s changed since Fenerbahçe’s protest, Tuchel’s next move, and France’s ultimate comeback story
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After a final like no other in Turkey, what has been the reaction to Fenerbahçe’s extraordinary protest and has anything changed because of it? Is ...
Will the real Barça coach please stand up?
11 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What a week of Champions League football! Andy agrees with Luis Enrique’s belief that his PSG side play more like Barcelona than Barcelona. And yet ...
Ask OTC: Can Rúben Amorim be Klopp's heir, Valencia’s steady redemption, and inspirational coaches
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What is Rúben Amorim’s journey so far and will he be a good fit with Liverpool? How have Valencia turned their fortunes around this season – even...
Two tales of two coaches
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dotun’s joined by David Cartlidge and Lars Sivertsen as one of this season’s biggest questions finally has an answer: Xabi Alonso will stay at Bay...
Ask OTC: Ligue 1 without Mbappé, the future for Wirtz, and the Basque National Team
29 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How will Ligue 1 cope without its preeminent star next season? Where next for one of Xabi Alonso’s most promising young talents, Florian Wirtz? Plus...
France’s Harry Maguire
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re one step closer to the Euros after this international break but how are the runners and riders placed ahead of the tournament? Today, Jonathan...
Ask OTC: Inter’s potential dynasty, the chase for Victor Osimhen, and Conference League favourites
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The international break gives Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini the chance to look ahead towards the end of the European domestic season.They wonder if im...
Is football fan culture in crisis?
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Turkish Süper Lig is currently hosting the most exciting title race in Europe. Yet sadly it was overshadowed this weekend after ugly sc...
Ask OTC: The looming Club World Cup, Rafa Benítez's next job, and one of Europe’s hottest strikers
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini kick off today’s collection of questions with a look at next summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, as various clubs chase th...
Diego Simeone’s shield of steel
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Diego Simeone pulled off another masterclass as Atleti beat Inter, one of the best sides in this season’s Champions League. Today, Dotun, Andy and N...
Ask OTC: The fall of Gio Reyna, best English players in Europe, and clubs we’d take over
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are Gio Reyna’s woes part of a wider malaise at Dortmund, or does the fault lie with him? How has Ruben Loftus-Cheek been faring at AC Milan? What a...
Are we the bad guys?
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dotun and Andy are joined by Lars Sivertsen to look over a few potential Champions League contenders after their midweek matches. Real Madrid underwhe...
Ask OTC: Is this the end for Paul Pogba, the Basque region’s golden era, and the curious case of Paulo Dybala
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With news of Paul Pogba’s ban, there was only one place to start today’s Ask OTC. How did it come to this for one of the world’s very best midfi...
Less sexy, less successful
29 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Edin Terzić has always promised that his football at Dortmund would be “less sexy, more successful” but that hasn’t proved to be the case. Toda...
Ask OTC: Bologna’s dream, why the protests in Germany, and Marseille’s desperate hire
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Did Arsenal underestimate Porto? Can Bologna finish in Serie A’s top four this season? What was the now-binned media rights deal that got so many fa...
Clash of the falling champions
22 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Champions of Italy met the Champions of Spain in the Champions League last night, so why did it feel so underwhelming? Today, Dotun, Andy and Nick...
Ask OTC: Is time up for Tuchel, the rise of Florian Wirtz, and blue cards
16 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Was this week’s first leg defeat against Lazio the beginning of the end for Thomas Tuchel? How has Xabi Alonso got the best out of Florian Wirtz? Ho...
Now or never for PSG?
15 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Luis Enrique was “dancing in the streets” after PSG won 2-0 following a first half which left Andy comparing their midfield to Wimbledon's in the ...
OTC Reacts: Leverkusen do a job on Bayern
12 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do Leverkusen dare to dream?! Bayer Leverkusen schooled Bayern Munich on Saturday to take control of the title race. Today, Andy Brassell and Bundesli...
Ask OTC: De Rossi’s revolution, Fatih Terim’s Greek odyssey, and the health of Europe’s second tiers
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is Daniele De Rossi the right man for Roma long-term? After a shock reality check for Schalke, what is the financial health and sustainability of coun...
Internazionale validation
08 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Inter secured their position at the top of Serie A with a win over Juventus at the weekend. Today, Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini explain why they are ...
Ask OTC: Deadline Day special
02 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Get your yellow ties on and plug in the fax machines: Dotun, Andy and David are here with a Deadline Day special of Ask OTC!We’ve got all you need t...
Xavi’s month of doom
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Xavi has said he decided to leave Barcelona at the start of the season. But it was January that sealed his fate. Today, Dotun and Andy are joined by D...
Ask OTC: Divisions in UEFA, the selling club crisis, and European footy scran
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are Aleksander Čeferin’s days numbered as UEFA president after Zvonimir Boban’s resignation? Why have selling clubs across Europe stopped buying ...
Who controls the calendar wins
25 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Karim Benzema is reportedly unhappy in Saudi. Today, Miguel Delaney joins Dotun and Andy to explain how the possible exodus from Saudi will affect Eur...
Ask OTC: Why Ajax signed Henderson, the Villarreal mess, and Bayern’s transfer misfirings
19 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Will Jordan Henderson improve Ajax? Why have one Spanish team’s performances got David calling them ‘the junior Girona’? How have Bayern gone fr...
Some things never change, Sancho
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Xavi has said he will walk away at the end of the season if Barcelona fail to win a trophy. Today, David Cartlidge joins Dotun and Andy to explain why...
OTC Reacts: José Mourinho’s gone
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Roma have sacked José Mourinho! That could only mean one thing: Andy and Nicky Bandini are here with an emergency pod. Nicky explains why last season...
Ask OTC: Mourinho on the ropes, Werner’s last chance, and assessing Griezmann’s greatness
12 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Who at Roma are set to turn on José Mourinho, the fans or the board? Is this Timo Werner’s last chance at the top level? Where does Antoine Griezma...
The Italian Ferryman
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“Keep my name out of your mouth!” Yep, those were the words Victor Osimhen said to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s agent. Today, Nicky Bandini joins Dot...
Ask OTC: The next La Masia, the case for Eric Choupo-Moting, and Sevilla’s new president
05 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Where is Europe’s next talent factory? Is Eric Choupo-Moting the answer to Man United’s attacking woes? Who is set to be worst affected by the Afr...
The Gentlemen of Girona
04 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Juventus have finally admitted they’re in the title race. Today, Lars joins Dotun and Andy to explain how the Old Lady has surprised everyone and wh...
Ask OTC: Saudi teams in the Champions League, who will suffer in January, and 2024 breakout stars
29 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Which teams will get ripped apart in January? Could guest nations ever play in the Champions League? How long can Julian Nagelsman survive at Germany?...
European football in 2024
28 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
2024 has the potential to be a transformative year for European football, given the introduction of the new Champions League format and its clashes wi...
Ask OTC: Napoli’s self-destruction, the Champions League draw, and highlights of 2023
22 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is Aurelio De Laurentiis to blame for Napoli’s disastrous title defence? Which Champions League knockout has the biggest upset potential? Why did a ...