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 Gra…

Alasdair, Barlow and Michael are joined by Baptiste Reynaud (of Le Beau Jeu and Le Classique fame) to discuss and analyse the latest European football news. The boys look at Frosinone’s cause for optimism in the face of their extensive winless run, the shades of Cholismo laced through Real Madrid’s recent Champions League displays against Mancheste…

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 Si…

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 Misli…

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 Al…

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 Atleti…

Alasdair, Barlow and Michael are joined by Ninad Barbidikar to discuss and analyse the latest European football news. The boys look at Bayer Leverkusen’s era-defining spring, Jagoba Arrasate’s emotional Osasuna farewell, Igor Tudor’s inevitable Serie A return and more. 1:45 - How might we explain Juventus’s spectacular drop-off in form since the en…

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…

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 part…

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 que…

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 …

Alasdair, Barlow and Michael are joined by Luke Entwistle to discuss and analyse the latest European football news. The boys look at AC Monza’s uncut gems, Almería’s unlikely hero, PSG’s post-takeover melodrama and more. 1:40 - Where did it all go wrong for Rafael Benítez at Celta Vigo, and what’s next for both parties? / 25:20 - What might the pos…

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 f…

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 footba…

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…

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…

Alasdair, Barlow and Michael are joined by Albert from the Long Ball Futebol podcast to discuss and analyse the latest European football news, with a particular focus on the ever-evolving landscape of Portuguese football. The boys look at Arouca’s resurgent Spanish Armada, the curious case of Vizela, Bologna’s rewarded patience, Valencia’s redempti…

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 Siver…

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 attrac…

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 Mall…

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 …

Alasdair, Barlow and Michael discuss and analyse the latest European football news. The boys look at Salernitana’s hopeless Serie A predicament, Rayo Vallecano’s post-Iraola struggles, Bayern Munich’s silent stagnation and more. 1:37 - Which Atlético Madrid starlet looks destined become Spain's future number nine? 13:49 - To what extent should we b…

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…

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 Inte…

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…

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 Aurél…

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…

Alasdair, Barlow and Michael discuss and analyse the latest European football news. The boys look at Diego Simeone’s Madrilenian masterclasses, Stade Brestois’s spirit of the collective, Inter Milan’s increasingly convincing title credentials and more. 1:40 - How has the enigmatic Éric Roy moulded Stade Brestois into one of the greatest Ligue 1 und…

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 Nick…

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 bot…

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 …

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 n…

Alasdair, Barlow and Michael discuss and analyse the latest European football news. The boys look at Almería’s controversial Bernabéu heartbreak, Szymon Żurkowski’s incredible start to 2024, the context behind Saša Kalajdžić’s underwhelming spell at Wolves and more. 1:38 - How has Toni Kroos’s game continued to evolve as he nears the final stages o…

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 wit…

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 Belli…

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 y…

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 – And…

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 bee…

Alasdair, Barlow and Michael discuss and analyse the latest European football news. The boys look at the Copa del Rey’s divisive format, the wider significance of the abolition of the Descreto Crescita for Italian football, Calais’s remarkable run to the Coupe de France final at the turn of the century and more. 1:34 - Why is the Coupe de France wi…

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, j…

“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…

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 …

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 Atl…

Alasdair, Barlow and Michael discuss and analyse the latest European football news. The boys look at Italian football’s imminent changing of the guard, the Bundesliga’s hectic Hinrunde, Luís Campos’s ill-fated dual Galician-Parisian project, Fiorentina’s crescendo, Real Madrid’s resilience in the face of winter fog, Patrik Schick’s golden opportuni…

Which teams will get ripped apart in January? Could guest nations ever play in the Champions League? How long can Julian Nagelsman survive at Germany? And what player is going to be the breakout star of the next 12 months? Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen answer your questions for the final time in 2023! Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and Ti…

2024 has the potential to be a transformative year for European football, given the introduction of the new Champions League format and its clashes with new European Super League proposals. Today, Dotun and Andy are joined by Miguel Delaney to assess whether those UCL changes will help to even out the balance of power in European Football - Miguel …

Is Aurelio De Laurentiis to blame for Napoli’s disastrous title defence? Which Champions League knockout has the biggest upset potential? Why did a club president in Turkey order all his players off the pitch because of a refereeing decision? And what are some of our continental highlights of 2023?! Dotun and Andy are joined by Nicky Bandini for yo…

Nicky Bandini’s on the pod! That means one thing: José Mourinho has forced himself into the headlines. Today, Dotun, Andy and Nicky discuss Mourinho’s claims that he wants to stay at Roma and how his former pupil Thiago Motta is quickly becoming one of the most innovative managers in Europe. Elsewhere, they marvel at how perfect Harry Kane is for B…

Alasdair, Barlow and Michael discuss and analyse the latest European football news. The boys look at the nuances of Girona’s miraculous LaLiga campaign, Lucas Chevalier’s box office goalkeeping, the main takeaways from Atalanta’s Lombardy derby win over AC Milan, Lille’s quietly impressive progress under Paulo Fonseca and more. 1:28 - Which 18-year…

As the group stages across Europe draw to a close Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen wonder if some of Europe’s underachievers can turn things around, as Ajax and Lyon languish near the bottom of their respective leagues. Elsewhere, we wonder if Reims’ Will Still might take the Sunderland job, rate some contenders for the Europa League and check in on …