On The Continent - A European Football Podcast

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.

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 midfielders? And how do we feel about the whole sorry affair?Plus, why is the Basque region enjoying a golden era this season? Are Sporting and Benfica the dark horses in the Europa League? And why is Real Mallorca making it to the final of the Copa del Rey a story we should all get behind?!David joins Dotun and Andy to 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.

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. Today, Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge are here to explain how Dortmund have become unwatchable this season and – even worse – their players have become unsellable.One coach who has changed their philosophy is Diego Simeone. David explains how he loves Atlético too much to walk away despite being repeatedly let down by the owners. Plus, the Kylian Mbappé saga has taken an unexpected twist… listen to find out 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.

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 fans protesting in Germany? And why have Marseille turned to a manager who just got given his marching orders midway through the Africa Cup of Nations?!Dotun, Andy and Nicky are on hand for 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.

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 Nicky Bandini answer that and also outline why a last 16 exit would be worse for Barcelona than it would be for Napoli.Elsewhere, they explain why Marko Arnautović isn’t the replacement striker that Inter Milan need and why a lack of stability could make Bayern Munich very unappealing to a new coach. Plus, Andy gives us an update on how long Bochum played the Can Can after scoring against Bayern at the weekend.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.

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? How have blue cards been received on the continent – and why do some countries value ‘clarity’ more than ‘flow’ with refereeing?Dotun, Andy and David are on hand for 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.

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 late 80s. Today, Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge discuss whether it's now or never for PSG in the Champions League before Kylian Mbappé leaves.Speaking of surprising comparisons, David explains how Aurélien Tchouaméni has accidentally turned into prime Sergio Ramos and we find out which Portuguese club are operating like the Apple of 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.

Do Leverkusen dare to dream?! Bayer Leverkusen schooled Bayern Munich on Saturday to take control of the title race. Today, Andy Brassell and Bundesliga pitch side reporter Archie Rhind-Tutt, who was there on the ground, react to this seismic result.Archie explains to Andy why Leverkusen were always the prime candidates to unseat Bayern from their throne and how Xabi Alonso was the final piece in the puzzle to achieve this. After plenty of daydreaming about Alejandro Grimaldo’s left foot, Archie then reveals how long he really thinks Thomas Tuchel will last at Bayern.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 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 countries’ second division across Europe? Have we got another great Atalanta team on our hands? And how has one of the great characters of Turkish football ended up at Panathinaikos?!Dotun, Andy and Nicky are back to answer all of your burning 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.

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 good enough to make an impact in Europe again this season. So when will we start considering them among Europe’s elite once more?On the other end of the spectrum, there are problems in France for both Marseille and Lyon; Andy and Nicky explain why Gennaro Gattuso could be being used as a punch bag for Marseille's wider issues. Plus, will Xabi Alonso’s final act at Leverkusen be to kick the Neverkusen title forever?Make sure you listen to the end for Dotun's food recommendation for the AFCON 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.

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 to know about the biggest transfer stories across Europe. We ask why some French clubs have been splashing the cash - even if PC issues meant Lyon missed out on Saïd Benrahma - and check in with the La Liga title contenders after their mercifully quiet windows. Plus: are we seeing the emergence of a Swedish golden generation?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.

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 David Cartlidge who explains how Xavi has not only been let down by the club but also by injuries which will define his final disappointing season.Elsewhere, Andy explains why Europe’s top clubs are not all in for Lautaro Martínez despite his season of a lifetime. Speaking of which, over in Eredivisie Peter Bosz is proving all the doubters wrong at PSV - us included. How is he becoming the "fun José Mourinho"?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 Aleksander Čeferin’s days numbered as UEFA president after Zvonimir Boban’s resignation? Why have selling clubs across Europe stopped buying so smartly? How is an Osasuna fan experiencing this season’s success for Athletic Bilbao? And what’s the in-stadium food scene REALLY like in Europe?Miguel Delaney joins Dotun and Andy to keep you fed with another 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.

Karim Benzema is reportedly unhappy in Saudi. Today, Miguel Delaney joins Dotun and Andy to explain how the possible exodus from Saudi will affect European football.Speaking of Saudi’s influence in Europe, Andy explains why it's hard to get excited about the newly expanded Supercoppa Italiana. Plus, some frustration has started to creep into Bellingham’s game at Real Madrid - listen to find out why.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.

Will Jordan Henderson improve Ajax? Why have one Spanish team’s performances got David calling them ‘the junior Girona’? How have Bayern gone from being one of the most savvy clubs in Europe to consistently missing their targets in the transfer window? And why are Villarreal plummeting down La Liga, just like Sevilla?Dotun, Andy and David answer your burning questions from across European football on this week’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.

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 Xavi’s situation at Barça isn’t too dissimilar to what is happening with Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.Elsewhere, Marco Reus and Jadon Sancho have picked up where they left off at Dortmund – Andy explains why their relationship is so strong. Plus, he also reveals how Lyon have signed one of Europe's hottest prospects to become a central part of their exciting new forward line.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.