Welcome to On The Continent, the dedicated European football feed brought to you by the Football Ramble. Dotun Adebayo and Andy Brassell are joined by the best European football experts to dissect the headlines from across the continent and take you inside the European game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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S5 E20 (our last ever episode) is out now! Fortnightly European football podcast with Alasdair Madden, Ruaridh Barlow and Michael Jones. Follow us on Twitter @RTNFootball and check out @FFOpps for paid freelance work in football.
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Serie A is the league which just keeps on delivering. After both Napoli and Inter dropped points on the penultimate match-day, there's just one point separating the two sides, with Napoli knowing a win would secure them their fourth Scudetto. Dotun is joined by Andy and David Cartlidge to break it all down. Plus, how on earth did Ajax blow a nine-p…
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Carlo Ancelotti has been appointed as Brazil head coach - is this a good move for all parties? And have Sevilla managed to calm tensions with their ultras after their 1-0 win against Las Palmas this week? Plus, Sampdoria have been relegated to Serie C for this first time in the club’s history - where do they go from here? And with rumours of a move…
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Oh Kylian Mbappé, we’ve seen this one before. Despite another fantastic hat-trick, it was Mbappé and Real Madrid who fell to a 4-3 defeat in El Clásico. It means that Barcelona are set to complete a spectacular double in Hansi Flick’s first season in charge. Just how impressive a feat is that for the German? Plus, Borussia Dortmund are set to compl…
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Ask OTC: Simone Inzaghi’s Champions League charge, Leroy Sané’s Arsenal links & are Juventus convinced by Igor Tudor?
29:51
After guiding Inter to two Champions League finals in three years, where does Simone Inzaghi rank amongst Europe’s best coaches? Elsewhere in Serie A, with one defeat in their last six matches, has Igor Tudor done enough to convince Juventus he’s the right man for next season? Plus, would Vanja Milinković-Savić be an effective back-up for Andre Ona…
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Wow, wow, wow! Have we ever seen a better Champions League semi-final than Inter vs Barcelona? Andy tells Dotun and Nicky Bandini why he thinks it might be the best two-legged tie he’s ever witnessed. Elsewhere, the race for next season’s Champions League spots is heating up in Italy - with just one point separating fourth and seventh - and Bayern …
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Ask OTC: Liam Rosenior’s Strasbourg are flying, Sevilla are close to sinking & how will Eric Dier fare at Monaco?
32:27
Strasbourg are on an eleven-game unbeaten run - is Liam Rosenior one of Europe’s most exciting young coaches right now? And how have Montpellier gone from league champions in 2012 to relegation battlers in 2025? Plus, are Sevilla at serious risk of relegation from La Liga? Will Eric Dier be a good addition to Monaco next season given the part he’s …
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We were served up quite the treat last night, weren't we? Barcelona and Inter played out a stunning six-goal thriller at Montjuïc, but not even that tells the story. Some superb individual performances (and some stunning goals) have more than whetted the appetite for the second leg, but which superstar is going to make the difference back at San Si…
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Ask OTC: Max Allegri’s next move, Marcus Rashford’s European suitors & Diogo Costa’s potential
39:14
After a disappointing chapter at Juventus - and time away from the touchline - could Max Allegri be set for a return to Milan? And given recent discourse around the gap between the Premier League and the Championship, are we seeing a similar pattern emerging elsewhere in Europe? Plus, how might Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa fare in the Premier Leagu…
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Just when you thought it was Inter’s to lose, Antonio Conte’s Napoli have crept up on his former club once again. But of course, this is Antonio Conte - so naturally, things aren’t all fine and rosy in his camp. Nicky Bandini joins Dotun & Andy to explain why yet another classic ‘Conte-ism’ isn’t likely to derail Napoli’s Scudetto charge, even if i…
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Ask OTC: Bayern’s Champions League struggles, Kingsley Coman’s future, and Strasbourg’s Ligue 1 charge
37:02
What’s the story behind Bayern’s continued struggle to reach their old heights in the Champions League? With growing links to Arsenal, would Kingsley Coman be a good fit for the Premier League? Plus, more on Strasbourg’s late charge for European football, Oliver Burke is finally fulfilling his potential over in Germany, and Thiago Motta ponders his…
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Dotun, Andy and Jonathan Johnson wrestle with the ever-changing Champions League landscape after an amazing set of quarter-final ties. Barcelona and PSG both look less convincing despite both scoring five aggregate goals apiece, while Inter’s reliance on big moments might prove the recipe for success. Confused? Same. We also take stock of Real Madr…
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Why have Atalanta fallen off the pace in Serie A? Why have Bayern Munich released Thomas Müller? Have Athletic Club reached their ceiling with their current philosophy? And how does Christopher Nkunku get his career back on track? Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge are answering your questions. Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and e…
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Sometimes a fresh coat of paint just won’t cut it. PSG and Barcelona have gone for a full renovation! PSG have ditched the superstar era and doubled down on youth, while Barça have traded Xavi’s caution for Hansi Flick’s ‘have a go’ approach - and it’s already paying off. Dotun, Andy & David Cartlidge explain why they think they saw the eventual wi…
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Ask OTC: Solskjaer's Besiktas stun Galatasaray, Arminia Bielefeld's dream run, and Jan de Boer's eggs
31:04
After a chaotic couple of days in Turkey that saw José Mourinho turned into a South Park character, was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the real winner? And how much has Arminia Bielefeld's stunning upset of Bayer Leverkusen damaged Xabi Alonso's reputation? Plus, Barcelona are in more hot water, PSG pull off a big comeback against Ligue 2 Dunkerque, and Lars…
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Milan, Juventus, Napoli... despite their ongoing attempts at winning the treble, Inter seem incapable of beating good opposition. Today, Dotun, Andy and Lars wonder if that will eventually hold them back in the Champions League? Elsewhere, we have our annual Atletico meeting now it appears that they once again won’t win a trophy. Andy explains why …
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Ask OTC: Igor Tudor takes the reins at Juventus, Sweden embarrassed by Luxembourg, and is Niko Kovač the right man for Dortmund?
36:13
Thiago Motta has been given the boot by Juventus, but is Igor Tudor the coach to get them back to winning titles? Jon Dahl Tomasson's Sweden lost to Luxembourg in a friendly... how on earth did they allow that to happen? Plus, Niko Kovač's Dortmund struggles continue, Hugo Ekitike steps up at Frankfurt, and which stories are flying under the radar …
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Kylian Mbappé has returned to captain France, but how has the team changed during his time away? Today, Dotun and Andy are joined by Ryan Hunn to discuss just that. Ryan also explains why audience fatigue might prevent the Club World Cup from taking off - despite the record-breaking prize money that was announced this week - and do Bayern Munich’s …
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After Inter beat Atalanta 2-0 last weekend, are Atalanta out of the title race? Or do they still have a chance of winning the Scudetto? Plus, does Martín Zubimendi regret not joining Liverpool, why are big ticket managers turning to international football, and can Norway finally qualify for the World Cup? Dotun, Andy and Miguel Delaney have the ans…
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Roma's season couldn't have got off to a worse start if they tried. But if in doubt, bring in a Roman to sort things out. Enter Claudio Ranieri. Miguel Delaney joins Dotun and Andy to discuss how Ranieri has turned Roma into the most unlikely Champions League hopefuls and what it means for Emperor Ranieri’s succession. Elsewhere, there's new optimi…
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Ask OTC: Lamine Yamal stuns, Raphinha's tipped for the Ballon d'Or, and could Mainz reach the Champions League?
37:40
It's hard to believe that Lamine Yamal is still just 17-years-old. After his exceptional display against Benfica, can we call him the greatest La Masia graduate since Lionel Messi? And with his teammate Raphinha grabbing two goals of his own on Tuesday night too, is he an early contender for the Ballon d'Or? Plus, could Mainz go one better than wha…
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It’s that time of the year again! Today, we look at the Champions League's runners and riders and try to work out who will win Europe’s premier club competition. Are Real Madrid inevitable? Is it finally PSG’s year? Could Barcelona or Bayern Munich upset the favourites? And is it foolish to forget about Inter? Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini are here…
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Ask OTC: Paulo Fonseca's nine-month ban, Robin van Persie's start at Feyenoord, and what's gone wrong at PSV?
35:20
Actions have consequences—just ask Paulo Fonseca. After squaring up to a referee, the Lyon boss has been hit with a staggering nine-month ban. So, where do Lyon go from here? Meanwhile, Robin van Persie made his managerial debut in the Champions League with a tough loss to Inter. It’s early days, but is he the right man for the job? Plus, PSV suffe…
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We have a first on today’s OTC… Lars Sivertsen doesn’t have anything bad to say about PSG! Today, he joins Dotun and Andy to assess what we should make of their 1-0 loss against Liverpool last night. Elsewhere, the Madrid derby and Bayern vs Leverkusen were two fascinating but very different same country ties. Andy explains why Xabi Alonso has to t…
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Ask OTC: Bayern shine without Kane, Marseille's president cries corruption, and how much longer can Luka Modrić keep going?
31:38
With Harry Kane sidelined, Bayern Munich thrashed Eintracht Frankfurt 4-0—could they actually be better off without him? Meanwhile, Marseille president Pablo Longoria has been hit with a 15-match suspension after accusing officials of corruption, but what’s the full story behind the controversy? Plus, Freiburg’s Champions League push is flying unde…
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Barcelona and Atlético Madrid have once again proved they are the most exciting teams to watch in Spain. But will that be enough to bring them success in La Liga? Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge aren’t convinced. Elsewhere, Napoli vs Inter could be a title decider in Serie A this weekend, but why is it more important for Napoli? Plus, we bring you …
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Ask OTC: Lookman falls out with Gasperini, PSV stun Juventus, and is Iraola ready for Real Madrid?
27:23
After Atalanta's humiliating Champions League exit to Club Brugge, Gian Piero Gasperini aimed some scathing comments at Ademola Lookman. Could the reigning African Footballer of the Year now be on his way out of Bergamo—or is Gasperini the one under pressure? Meanwhile, PSV delivered a stunning performance to knock Juventus out of Europe, so just h…
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We saw the proper Kylian Mbappé return last night. But have Real Madrid started their inevitable march to a 16th Champions League? David Cartlidge joins Dotun and Andy to discuss that before questioning whether AC Milan need more from their star players Theo Hernández and Rafa Leão. Plus, Andy and David disagree on how much of a hard time to give M…
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How do you follow on from the greatest season in your club's history? Eight months after their historic double-winning campaign, Bayer Leverkusen welcomed Bayern Munich for a mouth-watering Bundesliga clash, with the home side still in contention to win all three major trophies this season. Andy travelled to the BayArena to speak with the Leverkuse…
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Ask OTC: Real Madrid’s impressive attack, chaos in Türkiye, and the Berlusconis re-appoint Alessandro Nesta
26:40
After goals from Kylian Mbappé, Brahim Díaz, and Jude Bellingham saw Real Madrid snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against Manchester City, we ask if their star-studded front line is finally proving its worth. Elsewhere, Adana Demirspor abandoned their match against Galatasaray last weekend - what can the Turkish authorities do to restore trus…
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15 goals in 8 games, Ousmane Dembélé is on the kind of hot streak that prime Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo would be proud of. But how does his upturn in form compare to Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show? Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge are here to tell you. Elsewhere, is this the week that will shape Bayern Munich’s season? And Barcelo…
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Ask OTC: Nico González joins Man City, Juventus bring in Lloyd Kelly, and referee drama ahead of the Madrid Derby
28:00
Manchester City spent big this January, but is their deadline day signing Nico González the best of their business? Elsewhere in the window, Juventus looked to England to strengthen their defence, but is Newcastle’s Lloyd Kelly really the man to improve their back line? Plus, Atlético Madrid accuse Real Madrid of trying to put pressure on referees …
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AC Milan saw off Roma last night with a little help from their Premier League imports, new and old. However, Nicky Bandini explains to Dotun and Andy why she is still not certain that their new look team will be enough to qualify for the Champions League. Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen are up to their old tricks again, but will it be enough to stay in…
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Ask OTC: Thiago Motta under pressure, Niko Kovač joins Borussia Dortmund, and the futures of Kyle Walker & Antony
28:51
Juventus' underwhelming unbeaten run in the league is over, and after defeat to Benfica in the Champions League, is Thiago Motta under pressure? Niko Kovač joins Borussia Dortmund, but is he the right man to get BVB back on track? Plus, Kenan Yıldız's struggles continue, the Saudi Pro League changes its approach, and Kyle Walker & Antony move on to…
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The first ever extended Champions League group stage has finished, but did it provide enough fear, dread and anxiety? Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen are here to debate that. Elsewhere, Sporting are slowly getting over the departure of Ruben Amorim, but how much have Benfica and Porto helped? Plus, Andy accuses John Textor of turning a flamethrower …
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Ask OTC: Man City sign Abdukodir Khusanov, a Champions League all-timer, and Wilfried Zaha leaves Europe
26:21
Manchester City may be struggling on the pitch, but in the transfer window they're flying. What can City fans expect from their new defender Abdukodir Khusanov? After an unbelievable night in Lisbon, where does Benfica 4-5 Barcelona rank in the pantheon of European football's greatest games? Plus, Domenico Tedesco gets the boot at Belgium, some of …
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PSG vs Man City, who would have predicted that these two clubs would face off in a fight for survival in this season’s Champions League? Today, Dotun, Andy and Jonathan Johnson assess how this result could be a turning point for PSG. Elsewhere, Atlético Madrid are back and Andy reckons they could go deep in the Champions League this season. And poo…
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Ask OTC: Omar Marmoush to Man City, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to PSG, and what has happened to Naby Keïta?
27:18
The January Transfer Window's gears are now firmly in motion with clubs starting to make progress on assembling their squads for the rest of the season. So what can Manchester City fans expect from their prospective new signing Omar Marmoush? And is PSG really the right destination for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia when the Parisians look well-stocked in t…
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Andy thinks that Barcelona have, at times, played the best football in Spain this season. So how are they six points off the top of the table? David Cartlidge joins Dotun and Andy to explain just that. Elsewhere, David tells us why Dortmund’s struggles should be blamed on the club, not Nuri Şahin. Plus, Andy gives us the most controversial food pai…
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Ask OTC: The transfer window opens, Enzo Le Fée trades Rome for Sunderland, and what next for Julen Lopetegui?
30:07
The January transfer window has swung open so which players on the continent desperately need a move? Enzo Le Fée has swapped sunny Rome for... less sunny Sunderland, but how on earth did they convince him to come? Plus, what went wrong for João Pereira at Sporting? What's next for Julen Lopetegui after leaving West Ham? And is Carlos Corberán the …
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After only two games as Milan manager Sérgio Conceição has won his first trophy. But is it too early to get excited or can Milan still make an impact in the second half of this season? Dotun, Andy and Nicky are tentatively optimistic. However, they're less optimistic about Barcelona. Andy reckons the failure to register Dani Olmo could damage Joan …
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Ask OTC: Predicting our breakout stars of 2025, Victor Osimhen’s future, and is La Liga back?
29:03
Which European club needs the biggest January trolley dash? Who will be the breakout star of 2025? And is La Liga set to become the dominant league in Europe once more? Dotun, Andy and David are here with some answers and some bold predictions for your first Ask OTC of the new year! Plus, we return to one of the biggest stories of 2024 and answer t…
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With Gianni Infantino's revised FIFA Club World Cup set to begin this year, are we going to see a fundamental change in how clubs approach a football calendar that is growing busier by the year. Plus, Pep Guardiola's style is under pressure, so are we at the dawn of a new tactical approach across Europe? Join Andy, David Cartlidge and Miguel Delane…
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It’s been another incredible year of football across Europe: Bayern’s reign of terror was finally ended, Jude Bellingham helped Real Madrid achieve La Decimoquinta and Lamine Yamal announced his arrival to the world at Euro 2024. Today, Dotun and Andy hear from our regular contributors who tell us all about their highlights of the year. Ask us a qu…
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There is always so much happening in European football and we’re never able to cover everything we would like to. Luckily, we’re joined by Lee Wingate and Paul Watson from The Sweeper who are experts in getting to those hard to reach spots from across world football. Today, they join Andy to bring you up to speed on some of the very best European f…
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Ask OTC: Marcus Rashford eyes a move, Vieira brings stability to Genoa, and will Como sign Dele Alli?
29:20
Marcus Rashford has said it's time for a new challenge, so which European clubs should be eyeing him up? Patrick Vieira has coached Genoa to three consecutive clean sheets, but is it enough to keep them in Serie A? Plus, Real Sociedad's Álex Remiro impresses in goal, Dele Alli is set to train with Cesc Fàbregas' Como, and we pick which of this seas…
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Lazio 0 Inter 6. Is this the result which is going to fire Inter Milan to back-to-back Serie A titles? Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge think it might do just that. Elsewhere, Barcelona and Real Madrid both gift-wrapped an early Christmas present for Atlético Madrid, but how have Diego Simeone’s men made it back into the La Liga title race? Plus, An…
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After a tricky start to the season, is Jude Bellingham back to his best? And after impressing earlier in the campaign, have Juventus become the most boring team in Europe? Plus, the future of Thomas Müller at Bayern, Christian Pulisic suffers an injury, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain returns! Join Dotun, Andy, and Lars Sivertsen as they answer your qu…
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We’re six games into the new-look Champions League. How come some of the “minnows” are flying and some of the big clubs aren’t having it all their own way? Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen are on the hunt to find out… Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: [email protected]. For ad-free shows, head over to our Pat…
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Welcome to Millerntor, the home of FC St. Pauli. Millerntor isn’t just St. Pauli’s stadium, but it is their prize asset in terms of building a sustainable and successful future for Europe’s most fashionable club. St. Pauli are not like other clubs, and even though they are not alone in struggling to keep up with the financial demands of modern foot…
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RB Leipzig suffer a heavy defeat at home to Wolfsburg, so how long can Marco Rose keep his job? João Pereira's Sporting suffer a humiliating defeat to Santa Clara, so is he really ready for the job? Plus, Raúl Asencio thriving in the deep end, the puzzling Samuel Chukwueze, and our favourite playmakers on the continent. Join Dotun, Andy & Nicky Ban…
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