On The Continent - A European Football Podcast
Episodes
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 ...
A Mourinho and an apprentice
21 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Nicky Bandini’s on the pod! That means one thing: José Mourinho has forced himself into the headlines. Today, Dotun, Andy and Nicky discuss Mourinh...
Ask OTC: Ajax’s fightback, some Europa League contenders, and are Lyon doomed?
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As the group stages across Europe draw to a close Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen wonder if some of Europe’s underachievers can turn things around, a...
In fair Girona
14 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lighters in the air, the Champions League group stages are done forever. Thankfully, we were blessed with two groups of death to mark the occasion. To...
Ask OTC: Mbappé’s Real ultimatum, João Félix’s Catalan comeback, and Taylor Swift
08 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After reports this week that Real Madrid have set a deadline for agreeing terms, who needs the other more: Real Madrid, or Kylian Mbappé? What does t...
A Parisian Tragedy
07 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The goalkeeper situation has always been problematic at PSG during the QSI era. Is Gianluigi Donnarumma the next victim? Today, Jonathan Johnson joins...
At The Match: A Dramatic Night in Istanbul
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Galatasaray and Man United played out one of the great Champions League group stage matches last week and our very own Andy Brassell was there to capt...
Ask OTC: Man United’s next sporting director, Schalke’s slide, and a Super League by stealth
01 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are there any positives to next season’s Champions League format? How did Fabio Grosso turn Lyon’s senior players against him so quickly? Can anyo...
The group of Man United’s death
30 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When the draw came out, we all assumed that PSG, Dortmund, Newcastle and Milan was the 'group of death'. But is Group A the group of death that nobody...
OTC Special: The magical story of KÍ Klaksvik
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
KÍ Klaksvik have shocked the whole of Europe this season by becoming the first Faroese team to ever reach the group stages of a European competition....
OTC Reacts: Honours even in the Derby d'Italia
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Italian press are calling it the ugliest Derby d'Italia in years. Today, Andy and Nicky are here to point out the diamonds in the rough.Nicky star...
Ask OTC: Europe’s best run club, President André Villas-Boas, and the rise of Viktor Gyökeres
24 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Who is Europe’s best run club? Why has André Villas-Boas’ attempt to run for Porto’s presidential elections been received so badly? Is Viktor G...
El virus FIFA
23 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After a dismal week, German football fans have never been more apathetic towards their national team. But can they turn it around? Today, David Cartli...
Ask OTC: Players to watch in La Liga, Sweden’s sorry situation, and a new dawn at Union
17 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Can Girona keep up their title charge? Why did Urs Fischer and Union part ways at last? And with Euro 2024 qualification off the table, what’s going...
The unsurprising rise of Real Sociedad
16 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Real Sociedad have caught a lot of people off guard with their great performances in Europe this season. However, one person who hasn't been surprised...
At The Match: Something’s brewing in Leverkusen (feat. Xabi Alonso)
15 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Something special is happening in Leverkusen this season. Andy went to watch the Bundesliga leaders take on Union Berlin and spoke to the mastermind b...
Ask OTC: Harry Kane’s start in Germany, Benfica’s struggles, and Derek Rae’s favourite game
10 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Why have Benfica struggled so much in Europe this season? How are FC Copenhagen managing to punch so far above their weight? And after more than 35 ye...
A classic Der Klassiker
09 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been a big week in German football! Today, Dotun and Andy are joined by the legendary commentator and Bundesliga expert Derek Rae.Derek explain...
Ask OTC: French fan culture, Europe’s next great manager, and a Faroese fairytale
03 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is Francesco Farioli Europe’s next exciting young manager? Is French football fan culture fundamentally broken? Will any of football’s next Ballon...
We’re gonna win the league?
02 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Real Madrid took control of La Liga this weekend, but could they win it without Jude Bellingham? Today, Dotun is joined by David Cartlidge and Lars Si...
OTC Special: Haaland, with Lars Sivertsen
30 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s bonus episode, Dotun and Andy are joined by our favourite Norwegian, Lars Sivertsen, to talk about many others’ favourite Norwegian: Er...
Ask OTC: Shock underachievers, Simeone's last shot and Roger Federer’s new club?
27 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dotun, Andy and Miguel Delaney dive into the mailbag for another round of Ask OTC - join us!We wonder how FC Basel have found themselves at the bottom...
Less sexy, more successful
26 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dortmund had too much European experience for Newcastle but are they losing their famous identity?Today, Miguel Delaney joins Dotun and Andy to discus...
Ask OTC: Managers on the edge, Philippe Clement’s Rangers revival, and what next for the Special One?
20 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini open the floor to you lovely listeners once again, as we start with a look at some Euro 2024 dark horses. No Turkey, ple...
Can Spallball save Italy?
19 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dotun and Andy are joined by Nicky Bandini to look back on an unhappy return to Wembley for the Azzurri – and a very tricky week for Italian footbal...
Ask OTC: Euro 2024 chances, a new Bundesliga title challenger, and Norwegian niggles
13 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dotun, Andy and Lars are back with more of your questions, as attentions turn to international football. We assess whose Euros hopes are dwindling and...
That Don’t Impress Mourinho Much
12 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lars is back on the pod! And on the subject of returns, today he joins Dotun and Andy to discuss Romelu Lukaku’s Roma redemption. But can he save Jo...
Ask OTC: Inter’s new look, Tuchel's old problems, and Lewis Ferguson at Bologna
06 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What’s the future of Real Madrid’s left wing position? Are Inter the best team in the world bar Manchester City? Can Bayern Munich get over failin...
Bellingham rules The Continent
05 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is it too early to call Jude Bellingham the best player in Europe? Today, Dotun, Andy and Nicky consider that question and - after a dramatic night in...
OTC Special: The Shakhtar Donetsk Story
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our very own Andy Brassell has written another book! Called ‘We Play On’, it’s all about Shakhtar Donetsk’s remarkable modern history – from...
Ask OTC: Girona, Gattuso, and a trip to St Pauli
29 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How have Girona rocketed to the top of La Liga? Why has Gennaro Gattuso taken the Marseille job? And a listener asks about their trip to St Pauli...Do...
Penaltygate at Napoli & what's wrong at Ajax?
28 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever seen a player score a hat-trick over the space of four days? Today, Dotun and Andy are joined by David Cartlidge to discuss how unsavour...
Ask OTC: Fan power, André Onana, and Bayern’s Can Can
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How did Marseille ultras force their new manager out? How can goalkeepers put mistakes behind them after André Onana’s tricky start at Man United? ...
Who can breach the City-del?
21 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is Xavi at Barcelona basically just Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace? Andy puts that to Dotun and Miguel Delaney on today’s show as they take a moment ...
OTC Reacts: Perfect start for PSG
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Parc des Princes is a stadium that’s used to hosting celebrities, so we sent Andy Brassell and Jonathan Johnson last night to record an episode ...
Ask OTC: Euro 2024 dark horses, is Eredivisie competitive, and Portuguese food!
15 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are Italy or Portugal potential dark horses at Euro 2024? Is the Eredivisie the league to watch this year? And how will Sandro Tonali be welcomed when...
Paul Pogba: What’s the story?
14 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Paul Pogba has been provisionally suspended after submitting a positive drugs test. Today, Dotun and Andy are joined by Nicky Bandini to bring us up t...
OTC Reacts: Hansi Flick is sacked by Germany!
11 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Andy for a special OTC Reacts episode alongside Bundesliga reporter Archie Rhind-Tutt!Germany boss Hansi Flick barely had time to bid Auf Wieders...
Ask OTC: Getafe’s disgrace, Jude Mania, and Simeone the miracle-worker
08 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How has Mason Greenwood’s transfer to Getafe been received in Spain as the Luis Rubiales scandal accelerates? Why is no one talking about Atlético ...
Never greet your heroes?
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dotun and Andy roll out the red carpet for the return of Sevilla’s most famous son… in David Cartlidge. And we’ve got some juicy stuff to get in...
Ask OTC: Everton’s new striker, Turkey’s big spenders, and players desperate for a move
01 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Deadline Day to all those that celebrate it! Miguel Delaney joins Dotun and Andy to answer all of your questions.How good will Beto be for Evert...
Emperor Romelu
31 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
“Rome would go crazy for Romelu Lukaku!” That's what Nicky Bandini told us last week, and didn’t it just? Today Dotun, Andy and Miguel Delaney d...
Ask OTC: Chaos at Lyon, Europe’s redemption king, and Liverpool’s new leader?
25 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is Wataru Endō an improvement on Jordan Henderson and Fabinho? Can Laurent Blanc last much longer at Lyon? And who is about to reignite their career ...
The Great German Bake Off
24 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Birthday to the Bundesliga! Today, Dotun, Andy and Nicky are on hand to celebrate 60 years of the German top flight by asking whether it’s def...
Ask OTC: European fan culture, Nicolò Zaniolo’s chances of success, and where next for David de Gea?
18 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge are back to coast through more continental correspondence, as transfers continue to rumble along across both sides of ...
Hala Jude
17 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jude Bellingham’s La Liga debut was so impressive that Real Madrid are even amazed at how good he is. Today, Dotun, Andy and David are on hand to ce...
Ask OTC: Who's got a title race, Lopetegui’s next move, and Europe’s dark horses
11 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Ask OTC, where our panel tackle your questions from the week in European football!In our inaugural episodes, Dotun, Andy and Nicky discuss ...
Why Bayern NEED Harry Kane
10 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We start the season with some breaking news: Bayern have agreed a deal with Spurs for Harry Kane. Dotun, Andy and Nicky are on hand to explain wh...
Trailer: On The Continent – 2023/24
24 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Your one stop shop for all things European football. Join Dotun Adebayo, Andy Brassell and the best European football journalists around every Thursda...