On The Continent - A European Football Podcast

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....

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. P...

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. P...

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 questi...

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 L...

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...

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 Atlétic...

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  Tw...

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 mak...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 G...

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...

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...

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  Twit...

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 w...

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 footbal...

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. Pl...

Roma have sacked José Mourinho! That could only mean one thing: Andy and Nicky Bandini are here with an emergency pod. Nicky explains why last season’s Europa League final was potentially a sliding doors moment for Roma and how failing to qualify for the Champions League ultimately lead to Mourinho’s downfall. Nicky also explains why there have been comparisons made between new Roma manager Daniel...

Who at Roma are set to turn on José Mourinho, the fans or the board? Is this Timo Werner’s last chance at the top level? Where does Antoine Griezmann stand in La Liga’s all-time greats? And why is the end of a law in Italy slashing big overseas signings in Serie A this month? Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini are your tour guides for today’s Ask OTC, join us! Ask us a question on  Twitter , ...

“Keep my name out of your mouth!” Yep, those were the words Victor Osimhen said to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s agent. Today, Nicky Bandini joins Dotun and Andy to explain how Napoli went from exultant champions to infighting and mid-table mediocracy in the blink of an eye. Elsewhere, Andy explains why Bayern Munich won’t win the Champions League unless they recruit well in January. And could Osimhen c...

Where is Europe’s next talent factory? Is Eric Choupo-Moting the answer to Man United’s attacking woes? Who is set to be worst affected by the Africa Cup of Nations and Asian Cup? And why does Kalvin Phillips need to think twice before heading to Juventus?  Dotun and Andy are joined by Lars Sivertsen for the first Ask OTC of 2024! Ask us a question on  Twitter ,  Instagram and ...

Juventus have finally admitted they’re in the title race. Today, Lars joins Dotun and Andy to explain how the Old Lady has surprised everyone and why Adrien Rabiot has become their key man. Speaking of title races, Lars outlines why he isn’t worried about a raid on Girona's squad this January transfer window after their stunning 4-3 win against Atleti last night. Plus, Andy explains why history wo...