On The Continent - A European Football Podcast

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 how she’s been impressed by Spain’s ability to win different types of matches.And what about England’s chances? Andy outlines how Bukayo Saka could be absolutely crucial in Sunday’s final. Plus, Didier Deschamps is staying in charge of France, but are the fans - or even the players - happy with his leadership?Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England and France were both favourites coming into the Euros and have both been heavily criticised for their underwhelming performances. What’s the difference between the two teams? Didier Deschamps and co simply could not care less.Today, Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen are here to explain why France are completely unfazed by public opinion. Elsewhere, Lars declares it’s officially big man summer after Wout Weghorst stars for the Netherlands. The panel also pay tribute to Türkiye, Euro 2024’s brightest dark horse.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 – but what does the future look like for them at their clubs? Should we be surprised that Turkey and Switzerland have done so well? And is this year’s Euros proof that a single-host competition is ALWAYS the best way to go?Dotun and Andy are joined by David Cartlidge for discussions around all of those questions and much more! Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: Spain or Germany.Elsewhere, Andy and David explain why Didier Deschamps’ handling of Antoine Griezmann could be the key reason why France have struggled so far at Euro 2024. Plus, why it might be too early to get excited about the Netherlands – even after their 3-0 win over Romania.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spain put on a dazzling display last night against favourite OTC hipster pick Georgia. Two players dazzled particularly – Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal. Dotun, Andy and Nicky discuss how Spain are thriving with that extra dynamism. Can they be stopped? Plus, while Nico Williams and his club are closer than ever, despite rumours of a transfer circling, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has a rather different situation to go home to…Elsewhere, Nicky talks us through the huge fallout in Italy after their disastrous exit – and explains why blaming the talent pool is a cop out. Did Luciano Spalletti’s decision-making actually make Italy’s problems worse? And finally, we take your questions at the halfway stage in the Round of 16!Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 have tidied up their pre-tournament issues, give Georgia their deserved flowers and settle on a few young stars who may have earned themselves a move after some exceptional performances. Plus, we rank the various clashes of cuisine we’ve seen thus far!Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Didier Deschamps back home and wonder how the varying form of Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé could save - or sink - their ship.Elsewhere, Belgium scrape through amid plenty of fan discontent and we give you the lowdown on why Austria have emerged as a legitimate contender under Ralf Rangnick!Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Germany have topped their group… just. Today, David Cartlidge explains to Dotun and Andy how other teams can take inspiration from Switzerland when playing Germany in the knockout rounds.Elsewhere, Didier Deschamps has been accused of being cowardly. Andy and David debate whether that is fair or whether 'pragmatic' would be a more appropriate label. Plus, is Cristiano Ronaldo just a glorified Trojan Horse for the extremely impressive Portugal?Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Spain. All they needed was a couple more goals.Elsewhere, David makes the case for why Spain has the best midfield in the tournament. Plus, Andy and David analyse where this result and performance leaves Italy ahead of their decisive final group game against Croatia.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 starting to feel optimistic about their team's chances, even if they’re not making as much noise as the Scotland fans just yet.Elsewhere, Archie and Andy explain how Croatia’s midfield is starting to resemble an OTC 5-aside team. Plus, who will replace Kylian Mbappé and how do the rest of Europe view England? The panel answer your questions on today’s show.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 improvements could be down to Julian Nagelsmann simply getting the atmosphere right in the Germany camp.Elsewhere, they try to make sense of the Netherlands' defensive frailties, despite having some of the best defenders in the competition on paper. Plus, Marcus Thuram and Kylian Mbappé have spoken out about the political unrest in France; Andy and Nicky explain what these Euros could mean to France beyond just football.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 to be the breakout star? Can Scotland get out of their group? What countries are on the verge of a golden generation? And what country wins the food European Championships?Listen to find out!Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 continent vying for Euros glory!We wonder if France are now the firm favourites, work out whether Germany and/or Spain can convert promising recent signs into legitimate progress and run through some of the most exciting players who are set to light up the tournament this month.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"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 preview.Today, Archie is here to offer insight into how Germany are preparing to host Europe’s elite both on and off the field and whether tournament Germany will really turn up this time around.Plus, Archie shares where fans can get a kebab at 4am if they’re heading to Germany for the tournament. Listen to the end for that!Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leão, João Félix, João Palhinha, Rúben Dias… These are just some of the players in the Portugal squad. Are people underestimating them?Today, Miguel Pereira joins Andy and David Cartlidge to share some insight into what to expect from Portugal at Euro 2024. Miguel explains how the team have evolved towards a Spanish style of play under Roberto Martinez and why Cristiano Ronaldo could still play a key role at this summer’s tournament.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 shaping up ahead of Euro 2024?Today, Dotun and Andy are joined by Belgian football expert Kristof Terreur, who explains why optimism is low in the country despite a recent upturn in form under Domenico Tedesco. Kristof also explains the real reason why Thibaut Courtois is missing the tournament despite his Champions League final success.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the curtain falls on continental club football for another season, Dotun, Andy and Jonathan Johnson tackle some of your burning questions about various players and managers moving on to pastures new.We ask how PSG can maintain their global appeal without Kylian Mbappé, wonder if Benjamin Šeško is the hottest striker on the market this summer and the Serie A coaching ranks get shaken up again!Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, Dotun and Andy are joined by Johnathan Johnson who explains how Mbappé’s slightly disjointed end to the season might actually help France in the long run.Elsewhere, Antonio Conte has taken over at Napoli. Will it work and which of his star players will he need to sell in order to fund future success? And José Mourinho has arrived in Turkey. Andy explains why Fenerbahçe are already drunk on the Mourinho juice.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Romania shocked everyone by qualifying for Euro 2024 without losing a single game! On today’s Euros preview, Romanian Football journalist Emanuel Roşu joins Andy to explain how manager Edward Iordănescu turned an “average” group of players from “underachievers to overachievers”.Elsewhere, Emi tells Andy why Romanian fans have VERY high expectations going into the tournament. Plus, which player is the Romanian Jack Grealish? Listen to find out.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 teams you should be keeping an eye on during this summers tournament.First up, Dotun and Andy are joined by British Ukrainian Sports Journalist and founder of Zorya Londonsk, Andrew Todos, to find out how Ukraine made it to the finals and what we should expect from a team whose achievements this summer will constantly be set against the backdrop of war.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

La Décimoquinta is here! Real Madrid are European Champions for the fifteenth time. Today, Andy and David Cartlidge discuss how Madrid won the final. David makes the case for why Vinicius Junior is the best player in the world and outlines what Madrid’s future could look like with Kylian Mbappé. They also look ahead to next season for Borussia Dortmund and Andy explains why Dortmund should move on from Edin Terzic despite getting them to the Champions League final.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 winner over in Poland.Plus, the likes of Sérgio Conceição and Paulo Fonseca take their places on the managerial merry-go-round - and we ask if any team from outside European football’s traditional elite could ever win the Champions League.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, Andy, Dotun and David Cartlidge are here to explain what this means not just for Olympiacos but for Greek football generally.Elsewhere, David details the appalling way in which Barcelona have treated Xavi and Andy explains why Hansi Flick could be the right fit for the club, have you seen his sweater collection? Plus, the lads outline what Dortmund need to do to stop Real Madrid in the Champions League final.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why on earth are Bayern Munich trying to confirm Vincent Kompany as their next manager? Where next for Mauricio Pochettino, has he exhausted his options? Plus, are the Belgian Championship play-offs just a bit of fun for the neutral or grossly unfair? And is Roberto De Zerbi seriously Barcelona’s next best candidate?Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen are here to answer your queries!Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 their first trophy in 51 years. Today, Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen are here to explain how Lookman came this far and what this win means for legendary Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini.Elsewhere, Andy explains how Sevilla have gone from perennial Europa League winners to the mess of a relegation battle and allegations of match-fixing. Plus, Lyon achieved a miracle at the weekend after qualifying for the Europa League. How did they rescue their disastrous campaign and what should we expect next season?Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 barely any money? Cesc Fàbregas has helped steer Como back to Serie A for the first time in over 20 years – but why is he not the ‘real’ manager? Plus, is José Mourinho really about to jet off to Saudi Arabia?Dotun and Andy are joined by Nicky Bandini for another whistle stop tour around the European football stories that you care about!Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 loved in Paris in the way his record merits.Elsewhere, it’s been an action-packed week in Italy. Nicky explains how Juventus overcame the odds to beat Atalanta in the Coppa Italia final and Andy asks what’s next for Thiago Motta and Bologna now that they have a seat at Europe’s top table again for the first time in 60 years.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the defining stories of this season’s Premier League has been - you guessed it - points deductions. But over in the Netherlands, Eredivisie side Vitesse have been relegated after being given the largest points penalty in Dutch history. They were docked a whopping 18 points after an investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism discovered a secret network of loans linking Vitesse to the former Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich.Today, Andy Brassell and David Cartlidge speak to Simon Lock from the Bureau to learn more about what they found, how Vitesse got into such deep trouble, and what their situation says about European football’s growing financial crisis.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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? How have FC Köln gone from European aspirants to relegation favourites within a few years? And Parma are back at the top table in Italy! But can they stay there this time?Andy is joined by David Cartlidge and Nicky Bandini to answer your European football questions!Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joselu was the hero in Madrid. Should we have expected anything else? Today, Andy, Nicky Bandini and David Cartlidge explain why Joselu having the limelight is typical of Madrid's anti-Galáctico season. Plus, David makes the case that Vinicius Junior is still widely underrated in England.Elsewhere, the panel explain how OTC favourite Edin Terzić got the best of another OTC favourite in Luis Enrique. They also look ahead to a huge week in Atalanta’s history and explain why their manager Gian Piero Gasperini deserves to win a trophy for all the work he's done there.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy is joined by Lars Sivertsen and Jonathan Johnson to tuck into some more intriguing questions as the European domestic season reaches its dramatic conclusion. We wonder which of the coaching free agents - Conte, Mourinho, Potter, Zidane, Flick et al - will snag a new job this summer. Plus, we despair at the state of Schalke, ask if Dortmund should think twice about changing coach and JJ gives us the lowdown on French football's spicy finale. Allez! Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unbelievably Dortmund has the best defensive record in the Champions League this season. Today Andy Brassell is joined by Lars Sivertsen and Jonathan Johnson to unpick how Dortmund keep performing in Europe and dissect what PSG need to change for the second leg.In the other semi-final, it was vintage Tuchel in the second half from Bayern, however, Lars and JJ explain how throwing Kim under the bus might not have helped his cause to stay at the club next season. Plus, ahead of the Europa League semi-finals, the panel explain how Aubameyang is rolling back the years at Marseille.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Villas-Boas secured a landslide victory in the presidential elections.However, it wasn’t a quiet campaign. In November last year, there was a violent outbreak in the club's General Assembly and a number of the club's ultras, who have long supported Pinto da Costa, have been arrested in the aftermath. So today, Andy Brassell talks to Author, Portuguese football expert and FC Porto fan Miguel Pereira to uncover how Villas-Boas became FC Porto president. Plus, find out more about how the Ultras reacted to the news and why Miguel himself voted for AVB.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 really sell themselves abroad? What’s happened to Sassuolo since their halcyon De Zerbi days? And what’s on the to do list for Dortmund’s new CEO of sport, Lars Ricken? Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini are on hand to field your questions this week! Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“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 first - and Inter’s 20th - Scudetto. Today Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini are here to explain why they see Inzaghi’s immediate future at Inter despite some huge managerial vacancies across Europe.Elsewhere, PSG are being made to wait for their Ligue 1 title, but Andy credits Luis Enrique for how he has managed this team despite some very tricky circumstances. Plus, the extra places in next season's Champions League look like they’re going to Italy and Germany. Andy and Nicky explore how this could influence European football going forward.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10 days ago, Bayer Leverkusen won their first ever Bundesliga. Bayern Munich were dethroned at last. Last week, Andy Brassell went on the road with Leverkusen as their hunt for even more success this season continued – first at West Ham, then at Borussia Dortmund.Andy spoke to some of the fans, players and pundits closest to the club including Granit Xhaka, captain Lukas Hradecky, and OTC favourite Archie Rhind-Tutt. They offer a unique insight into what this title really means.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 house”? Roma have hard launched their future with De Rossi, why now? What does Naby Keita’s future look like? And how will Bologna and Lewis Ferguson be impacted by his ACL injury?Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen have the answers on today’s Ask OTC!Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 eight!Lars is gutted that PSG are finally turning into a sensible team, while Andy explains that Dortmund’s semi-final spot belies some far-from-sensible decision-making inside the club. Yes, Sven Mislintat might really be making a comeback.Plus, did Real Madrid really put in a “classic” European display or did Manchester City just fluff their lines? And after Bayer Leverkusen lifted the title last Sunday, Andy explains why Xabi Alonso and the club were a match made in heaven from day one.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 it all aboard the Premier League train for Thomas Tuchel? How has a former Sunderland player who had been out of management for 12 years worked miracles at a Ligue 1 club?! Where does the ‘Allez Allez Allez’ chant come from – and why does pretty much every club sing it nowadays?Dotun, Andy and David are your continental tour guides for today’s Ask OTC!Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 ultimately Xavi’s own style of football got the better of his old manager in impressive fashion. Dotun, Andy and David are on hand to explain how!Elsewhere, David and Andy fear for the losers of Atletico Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund as both sides appear to be a ghost of their former, 2010s-golden-era selves. Plus, after the 'big four' offered up more questions than answers on Tuesday night, can anyone predict the Champions League favourites?Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 under Peter Lim’s ownership? Which coaches do other coaches learn from? And… why is Dotun speaking like Roy Hodgson in Norwegian?Dotun, David and Lars are back to answer your questions from the past week in European football!Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Bayer Leverkusen next season. We contrast his fortunes with the dour ones of Thomas Tuchel, who is destined to angrily skulk through the exit door of yet another European powerhouse.Elsewhere, David is particularly scathing of Juventus’ reluctance to replace the uninspiring Max Allegri with any of the suitable options available. Could Bologna boss Thiago Motta be the ideal fit? And we also look ahead to the Copa del Rey final this weekend, as Athletic Bilbao look to crown an impressive season with their first cup victory in four decades. Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, why are all the major nations struggling ahead of Euro 2024 and why did the Basque Country play their first international fixture in four years?Dotun, Andy and Jonathan Johnson answer all of YOUR questions!Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Johnson tells Dotun and Andy how France has reacted to their unexpected loss to Germany and Andy identifies which player is the “Harry Maguire” of their national team.Elsewhere, the panel explain how Roberto Martínez has made Portugal a dangerous prospect for the Euros. Plus, as domestic football returns this weekend, JJ explains how injury has forced Marseille to turn to extreme measures to field a competitive XI.  Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 impending financial concerns might halt an Inter dynasty just as it’s getting started and rate some of the non-English contenders in the Europa Conference League. Plus, they assess the summer suitors for Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen, with PSG and several Premier League clubs reportedly interested.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Turkish Süper Lig is currently hosting the most exciting title race in Europe. Yet sadly it was overshadowed this weekend after ugly scenes of violence again dominated the headlines. Today, Dotun, Andy and Nicky explore whether the authorities could handle things better and reflect on the wider cultural issues that are effecting European football everywhere.On a related note, Andy and Nicky commend Luciano Spalletti for his decisive action in removing Francesco Acerbi from the Italy squad for the current international window. Plus, we get an update on Thierry Henry’s coaching career and Nicky has a pretty controversial idea for how he can get it back on track.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 the potential financial rewards while players balk at the possibility of more fixtures.We also wonder what’s next for Maurizio Sarri and Rafa Benítez after they both lost their jobs this week, and check in on Portugal’s hottest striker, Viktor Gyokeres. Plus, why isn’t ZInedine Zidane regularly touted for the biggest managerial jobs?Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Nicky explain how they did it while also trying to solve the ongoing mystery which is Lautaro Martínez.Elsewhere, the mystery of Jadon Sancho’s future also rumbles on, Andy explains the possibilities of where he could be playing football next season. Plus, Nicky tries her best to analyse the slapstick defending that both Barcelona and Napoli displayed on Tuesday night.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 are the best title races outside the top 5 leagues? And if we were a wealthy investor, which club would we take over in Europe?! Plus, a very unexpected mention for Steve Kean…Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen answer all of YOUR questions!Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun and Andy are joined by Lars Sivertsen to look over a few potential Champions League contenders after their midweek matches. Real Madrid underwhelming but menacing? Check. Bayern and PSG flexing their expensive muscles? Also check.Elsewhere, we check in with Napoli’s own Ziggy Stardust, the Georgian wizard Khvicha Kvaratskhelia - who’s attracting a host of admiring glances from the Premier League and the rest of Europe.Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected] ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.