On The Continent - A European Football Podcast

Paul Pogba's ban has been reduced to 18 months, but where does his future lie? After disobeying Paulo Fonseca’s penalty instructions, how do you reinstate order to a group of players seemingly not listening to the coach? Plus, the rise of Omar Marmoush, the future of Frenkie de Jong, and a reflection on Andrés Iniesta's influence on the European game.  Dotun, Andy, and David Cartlidge are her...

From the Reds to Red Bull. Jürgen Klopp has been appointed RB's Global Head of Soccer. What does the job mean? And why has the news been received so badly in Germany? Dotun, Andy and David discuss the hugely controversial move. Elsewhere, David tells us why it’s no longer about Kvara-dona but McToma-dona as Antonio Conte’s Napoli sit pretty at the top of Serie A, and as life without Antoine Griezm...

An Ousmane Dembélé-less PSG suffered defeat to Arsenal on Tuesday, so does this prove the Parisians are better off with Dembélé in their side? Marco Rose described Juventus as one of the favourites to win the Champions League, but is that fair or is Rose getting overexcited? Plus, Robert Lewandowski keeps scoring, Pep Lijnders struggles with Salzburg, and should Andrea Pirlo call time on his manag...

Two wins from two for Bayer Leverkusen but are they contenders for the Champions League? Today, Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini assess how equipt Xabi Alonso’s side are to fight on two fronts. Elsewhere, there have been a number of heavy defeats in this season’s Champions League, is the new format to blame or could it be another reason? And José Mourinho has written some new hits but can he be a suc...

Some off-pitch drama turbocharged what was threatening to be a fairly underwhelming Madrid derby. Join Andy Brassell and David Cartlidge for their reaction to Real and Atlético’s 1-1 draw! Andy and David wonder if both sides set up to not lose ground on Barcelona and who will be happier with the draw. We also look through the various controversies that unfolded, including a 15-minute stoppage...

With Arsenal seemingly interested in Dušan Vlahović, is it time for Juventus to look for a replacement striker? After José Mourinho failed to attend his press conference following Fenerbahçe's defeat to Galatasaray, is time running out for the Special One? Plus, why did Benfica go back to Bruno Lage, and why has Raphaël Varane retired at just 31 years of age? Dotun, Andy and Lars are here with the...

Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen touch base in the middle of a chaotic opening round of Europa League fixtures - just as well Lars is on to talk about arguably the biggest win in Bodø/Glimt’s history. We also tip our hats to Hansi Flick, who deserves immense credit after Barcelona’s impressive start. Plus, we ask if Roma’s ownership can win the fans back onside, as the dramatic fallout from sacking...

Daniele De Rossi has been sacked by Roma, but is replacing him with Ivan Jurić the right move? Bayern Munich thrash Dinamo Zagreb, but is it a surprise given the current struggles in the Croatian league? Plus, how did Stuttgart pull off a deal with Brighton for Deniz Undav? Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge have all the answers. Ask us a question on  Twitter ,  Instagram  and  Ti...

Are Juventus one of the most interesting teams in Europe? Today, David Cartlidge tells Dotun and Andy why Thiago Motta’s side are currently one of his favourite teams to watch. Elsewhere, Dortmund got their Champions League campaign started with a win. Andy explores whether Jürgen Klopp’s spirit is living on through Nuri Şahin. And what is going on with Adrien Rabiot? We unpick how he’s ended up a...

Lyon's John Textor says that buying Everton would be like becoming US president, but how serious is he about the purchase? Angel Gomes shone for England, so just how good can he become? And could Viktor Gyökeres become an even better striker than Zlatan Ibrahimović, or are we getting ahead of ourselves? Join Dotun, Andy and Jonathan Johnson to find out. Ask us a question on  Twitter ,  I...

Is Griezmann the question or is Alvarez the answer to Atlético Madrid’s season? Today, Dotun, Andy and Jonathan Johnson explain how Atleti can successfully use both their key stars this season despite contrasting international breaks. Elsewhere, JJ is excited about PSG. He outlines why Les Parisiens could actually benefit from the departure of Kylian Mbappé. Also, the Champions League and Europa L...

Things are bad at Sevilla, but can they get even worse? The summer transfer window has slammed shut, except in Türkiye that is. So which Premier League players might be making the move? And can Mats Hummels, having spent his whole career in Germany, adapt to the challenges of Serie A? Join Dotun, Andy and Nicky to find out the answers. Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok,...

Make no mistake about it: Victor Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray has shocked European football. But also – thanks to Napoli’s mismanagement – it was totally inevitable. Dotun and Andy are joined by Nicky Bandini to provide the full story and explain how Galatasaray have secured one of the best strikers in Europe in the very prime of his career, with talk of poor performances last season very much ex...

Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen are here with more answers to your various continental queries. We give you the lowdown on Federico Chiesa’s move to Liverpool and how his versatility might prove useful, even if his star has waned since a bad injury in 2022. We also discuss Jamie Gittens’ continued improvements at Dortmund and if he can flourish into their next young star, Galatasaray’s potential pr...

Lars Sivertsen   would like to call Barcelona a circus - but that would be unfair to a lot of functioning circuses. Today, Lars joins Dotun and Andy to evaluate how Hansi Flick has won his first 3 La Liga games as Barça manager, despite the ongoing distractions behind the scenes. Elsewhere, we explain why Zlatan Ibrahimović could be the elephant in the boardroom when it comes to Paulo Fonseca...

İlkay Gündoğan is leaving Barcelona after just one season, so why are they relaxed about letting him go? As PSG look set to sell Manuel Ugarte so quickly too, what are Man United really getting for their money? Will Domenico Berardi move out of Serie B? And do Kilmarnock have any chance at all of beating Copenhagen in the Europa Conference League play-off?! Join Dotun, Andy and Nicky for the answe...

Juventus made an eye-catching start to Serie A, but is it too early to get excited? Today, Nicky Bandini tells Dotun and Andy how Thiago Motta has already won the support of everyone at Juventus, something that isn’t always guaranteed. Elsewhere, Marseille also made a flying start to the season. Andy and Nicky explain why Roberto De Zerbi is the perfect fit for them. Plus, can Bayer Leverkusen win...

As the European football season fast approaches Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge are here to bring you up to speed with all the latest from an increasingly busy transfer window! We wonder if David de Gea has chosen a rewarding life experience over the demanding pressures of elite European football after signing for Fiorentina. Plus, Monaco and RB Leipzig continue to establish themselves as the...

Club football returns across Europe this weekend – and Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge are here with all the biggest talking points for you. Real Madrid lifted the UEFA Super Cup last night in Kylian Mbappé’s very first game for the club. But what did we learn about him and this new-look Real Madrid? And can Barcelona close the gap this season? Elsewhere, we take a look at some of the runners and...

With the brand new season just around the corner, which title-holders in Europe are most likely to be dethroned? How will João Neves and Renato Sanches fare as they swap clubs? And how did ‘little’ Bournemouth win the race for one of Europe’s hottest prospects, Dean Huijsen? Join Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen for the best of your questions from this week in European football! Ask us a question on...

Have you been wondering how on earth Atlético Madrid can afford Julián Álvarez? Then you're in the right place. Today, Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen explain everything you need to know about this potential deal and discuss how Álvarez could become the new Antoine Griezmann. Elsewhere, reports say that Borussia Dortmund might sack former Arsenal Head of Recr...

After the Premier League’s lawsuit against FIFA, what will happen to the Club World Cup? And what’s at stake if it does go ahead? Elsewhere, will any clubs follow Bordeaux’s tragic fate? What are the best under-the-radar transfers of the summer so far? And the Bundesliga 2 starts this weekend – so what are the big storylines? Join Dotun, Andy and Miguel Delaney for the best of your questions from...

Wondering why it’s been a relatively quiet transfer window so far? Today, Dotun, Andy and Miguel Delaney are here to outline why the sale of Victor Osimhen could be the key to clubs spending money this summer. Elsewhere, the Champions League is back - already - and José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe got through... just. Andy and Miguel explain how Fenerbahçe could be The Special One’s most difficult chall...

Is a Nico Williams departure from Athletic Bilbao less likely than we all think? Are Antonio Conte and Romelu Lukaku about to be reunited once more? How well-placed are Bayer Leverkusen to defend their Bundesliga crown? And after Che Adams’ move to Torino, why are Serie A clubs so regularly dipping into the Championship marketplace? Dotun puts your questions to David Cartlidge and Nicky Bandini on...

Riccardo Calafiori looks like he'll be the next player travelling down the Anglo-Italian highway. But why are so many players moving between Italy and England at the moment? And what will Calafiori bring to Arsenal? Today, Dotun, David Cartlidge and Nicky Bandini explain how being a modern, left-footed defender made Calafiori irresistible for Mikel Arteta. Elsewhere, PSG are already at the heart o...