On The Continent - A European Football Podcast

There's been plenty of noise around Antonio Conte and his links to Manchester United this week. With Michael Carrick staying put at Old Trafford (for now), where is Conte's next realistic landing spot after leaving Napoli in the summer?

Nicky Bandini and David Cartlidge join Dotun to answer that. Plus, is Unai Simón really the best goalkeeper in the world? Can Javier Aguirre save Valencia from relegation? And why are Napoli not making the most of their rich hotbed of talent?

Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.

For 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!***

On The Continent is your definitive podcast for European football. Subscribe for new podcasts every Thursday and Friday throughout the 2026/27 European football season, covering the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, the Süper Lig, Eredivisie, Liga Portugal and more.

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harry Kane is your 2026 Ballon d’Or winner! A stunning season leaves him with football’s top award for an individual footballer, but how much does the accolade mean for the Bundesliga and German football more broadly?

David Cartlidge and Nicky Bandini join Dotun this week to explore that. Plus, a huge win for José Mourinho and Real Madrid in El Clásico. Have they brought themselves right back in the title fight? And finally, we check in on Project Amorim at Milan after their midweek defeat to Bologna. Are there any signs that he can bring them back to their former glory?

Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.

For 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!***

On The Continent is your definitive podcast for European football. Subscribe for new podcasts every Thursday and Friday throughout the 2026/27 European football season, covering the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, the Süper Lig, Eredivisie, Liga Portugal and more.

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

After their stunning victory against Manchester United on Wednesday, Como have properly announced themselves on the European stage. So, can we now call Fàbregas one of Europe's elite coaches?

Lars Sivertsen joins Dotun and Andy to answer that. Plus, how are Lazio doing so well in Serie A given their off-field issues? Why are Porto having such a torrid time in the Champions League? And can we expect a title race in Ligue 1?

Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.

For 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!***

On The Continent is your definitive podcast for European football. Subscribe for new podcasts every Thursday and Friday throughout the 2026/27 European football season, covering the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, the Süper Lig, Eredivisie, Liga Portugal and more.

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

The four favourites for this season's Champions League met this week, with Bayern Munich taking on Arsenal and PSG hosting Barcelona. With those four sides now clearly ahead of the rest in the pecking order, can we really expect a winner from outside that set?

Lars Sivertsen joins Dotun and Andy to discuss that. Plus, Andy's been on his travels to see Galatasaray take on Lille at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Are the Turkish side genuine contenders to go deep in this season's competition?

Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.

For 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!***

On The Continent is your definitive podcast for European football. Subscribe for new podcasts every Thursday and Friday throughout the 2026/27 European football season, covering the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, the Süper Lig, Eredivisie, Liga Portugal and more.

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a fresh round of enticing Europa League and Conference League ties, we wanted to bring you all the latest – and when both Lyon and Marseille are involved, who better than Andy and Jonathan Johnson to guide you through it?

Andy joins JJ from Lyon after watching them conquer Crystal Palace last night in a game that was just Lyon all over. But did this show an exciting future for their frontline? Meanwhile, why is Marseille's manager Bruno Génésio all but abandoning European football, just like he did at Lille? And Ruben Amorim might have a new star on his hands after 19-year-old Alphadjo Cisse scored a hat-trick at Salzburg.

Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.

For 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!***

On The Continent is your definitive podcast for European football. Subscribe for new podcasts every Thursday and Friday throughout the 2026/27 European football season, covering the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, the Süper Lig, Eredivisie, Liga Portugal and more.

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

José Mourinho received a hero's welcome on his return to the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday night. In the end, and after a few twists and turns, it was his Real Madrid side who came away victorious. Is there still a touch of the José about Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma?

Lars Sivertsen joins Dotun and Andy to debate that. Plus, it was a disastrous night for Fenerbahçe as they sunk to a 6-0 away defeat at Villa Park. Andy was at the game and gives his thoughts on İsmail Kartal's aging squad. And it's been a brilliant week in Europe for Norwegian sides Viking and Bodø/Glimt. Who better than Lars to give us the lowdown?

Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.

For 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!***

On The Continent is your definitive podcast for European football. Subscribe for new podcasts every Thursday and Friday throughout the 2026/27 European football season, covering the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, the Süper Lig, Eredivisie, Liga Portugal and more.

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

The footballing gods do have a funny way of throwing up some intriguing fixtures at the perfect time. Abu Dhabi's Manchester City vs Qatar's PSG in City's first home game after being found guilty of breaching the Premier League's financial rules is certainly one of those.

Miguel Delaney joins Andy to take a deep dive into the complicated ownerships of both clubs, and what City's sanctions might mean for European football going forwards.

Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.

For 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!***

On The Continent is your definitive podcast for European football. Subscribe for new podcasts every Thursday and Friday throughout the 2026/27 European football season, covering the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, the Süper Lig, Eredivisie, Liga Portugal and more.

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of world football’s most promising talents is barely getting on the pitch at Real Madrid. So should Endrick persevere, or find a way out?

Dotun and Andy are joined by David Cartlidge to get their heads around this confusing mismatch. Elsewhere, Troy Parrott’s release clause at Real Betis, the cost of the international break for Dortmund, and a mercifully simple explanation of what's going on with Dani Carvajal’s doomed move to Getafe. And why is it ‘a match made in hell’?

Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.

For 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!***

On The Continent is your definitive podcast for European football. Subscribe for new podcasts every Thursday and Friday throughout the 2026/27 European football season, covering the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, the Süper Lig, Eredivisie, Liga Portugal and more.

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cristiano Ronaldo managed to outlast every Portugal manager until Jorge Jesus came along. His dramatic exit, followed by a mind-blowing statement, makes it look like Ronaldo has played straight into Jesus’ hands. Has it cost him any chance of a fond farewell like his lifelong rival, Lionel Messi? And why are Portugal actually better for his exit?

Dotun and Andy are joined by David Cartlidge to dig through the rubble of a fiery few days in the Portugal camp. Plus, will Kylian Mbappé ever truly fit the mould of a Real Madrid superstar? And what do new deals for both Harry Kane and Raphinha tell us about their importance - on and off the pitch - at Bayern Munich and Barcelona?

Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.

For 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!***

On The Continent is your definitive podcast for European football. Subscribe for new podcasts every Thursday and Friday throughout the 2026/27 European football season, covering the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, the Süper Lig, Eredivisie, Liga Portugal and more.

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

All eyes are on Manchester City as the fallout from their guilty verdict continues to unravel. With the Premier League's dominance under renewed scrutiny, is this a chance for Europe's other top leagues to close the financial and competitive gap they’ve been chasing for so long?

Jonathan Johnson joins Andy and Dotun to assess how the continent is reacting. Plus, has Zinedine Zidine's willingness to bring in new players been a welcome change for Les Bleus? Why have Greece been so good during the international break? And, after a vociferous celebration by the aforementioned France manager, we pick out some of our favourite manager celebrations.

Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.

For 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!***

On The Continent is your definitive podcast for European football. Subscribe for new podcasts every Thursday and Friday throughout the 2026/27 European football season, covering the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, the Süper Lig, Eredivisie, Liga Portugal and more.

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been 23 years since Cristiano Ronaldo made his Portugal debut. 234 appearances and 146 goals later, his time as a Portugal international might now be over. After abruptly leaving Jorge Jesus' camp, have we seen the last of him in a Portugal shirt?

Jonathan Johnson joins Dotun and Andy to discuss the fallout to that. Plus, Lamine Yamal continues to shine for Spain and Jürgen Klopp risks becoming the first Germany boss to lose his first three games in charge of the national side.

Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.

For 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!***

On The Continent is your definitive podcast for European football. Subscribe for new podcasts every Thursday and Friday throughout the 2026/27 European football season, covering the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, the Süper Lig, Eredivisie, Liga Portugal and more.

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

The emergence of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as one of European football's modern greats has been well-told at elite club level. After leaving Napoli for PSG in 2025 he hasn't looked back, winning two Champions League titles and becoming a firm contender for this year's Ballon d'Or.

But at international level, the story is very different. Andy and Lars head to Kvaratskhelia's native Tbilisi to find out just how much of a significant figure he has become.

Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.

For 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!***

On The Continent is your definitive podcast for European football. Subscribe for new podcasts every Thursday and Friday throughout the 2026/27 European football season, covering the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, the Süper Lig, Eredivisie, Liga Portugal and more.

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

It wasn't just Jürgen Klopp who was starting his fresh project last night, but his opposite number too! Xavi's Netherlands side were the first to try their luck against Klopp's Germany, and in the end the points were shared. But what exactly did we learn from the former Liverpool boss' first game in charge?

Kevin Hatchard joins Andy to discuss that. Plus, Jorge Jesus keeps Cristiano Ronaldo in the fold for his first game in charge, but only for 67 minutes. And Erling Haaland's brace helps Norway to victory over near neighbours Denmark.

Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.

For 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!***

On The Continent is your definitive podcast for European football. Subscribe for new podcasts every Thursday and Friday throughout the 2026/27 European football season, covering the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, the Süper Lig, Eredivisie, Liga Portugal and more.

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the dawn of a new era for both Italy and France on the international stage. Roberto Mancini, at the second time of asking, is set for his first game back in charge of the Azzurri. Can an old face bring fresh ideas to a nation so desperate for success?

Nicky Bandini joins Dotun and Andy to preview what his second spell in charge might bring. Plus, France begin their new venture under the man, the myth, the legend Zinedine Zidane. Can he do what Didier Deschamps couldn't and finally put Spain to the sword? And finally, José Mourinho is back in the headlines. But will his latest tirade really wash with Real Madrid?

Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.

For 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!***

On The Continent is your definitive podcast for European football. Subscribe for new podcasts every Thursday and Friday throughout the 2026/27 European football season, covering the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, the Süper Lig, Eredivisie, Liga Portugal and more.

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

Even Mohamed Salah couldn't have dreamed up a better first outing against Galatasaray. A hat-trick and an assist later, are we witnessing the start of a beautiful partnership with Thomas Reis?

Andy is joined by Turkish football expert Engin Kehale to unpack a dominant Trabzonspor performance and a sobering reality check for Galatasaray. Did Victor Osimhen's absence just expose Okan Buruk's over-reliance on his star striker? And why can't Gala’s wealth of attacking options fill the void?

Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.

For 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!***

On The Continent is your definitive podcast for European football. Subscribe for new podcasts every Thursday and Friday throughout the 2026/27 European football season, covering the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, the Süper Lig, Eredivisie, Liga Portugal and more.

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

The unfolding humanitarian crisis in Ceuta has made headlines all over the world, and some clubs in La Liga wanted to make their feelings known. But what happens when their own players want to carry a different message?

Dotun and Andy are joined by Tom Allnutt to unpack the situation. Elsewhere, why have recently high-flying Lens sacked their manager already? Has Liam Rosenior found his new home in Paris? And can Deportivo de A Coruña continue their early season charge?

Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.

For 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!***

On The Continent is your definitive podcast for European football. Subscribe for new podcasts every Thursday and Friday throughout the 2026/27 European football season, covering the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, the Süper Lig, Eredivisie, Liga Portugal and more.

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's something of the Kevin Keegan about Hansi Flick's Barcelona. 33 goals scored in their opening seven games of the season. Yes, you heard that right. Thirty-three! Their goalscoring exploits are without doubt the best in Europe, but their ability to keep the ball out of the net? Well, that's a different question...

Tom Allnutt makes his OTC debut alongside Dotun and Andy to take a look at Barcelona's entertainers. Plus, it's a winning start for Sunderland in the Europa League, but will this be the year that English dominance of the competition comes to an end? And it's all-out chaos at Marseille as OM start the season in atrocious fashion. What has happened to that once great European giant?

Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.

For 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!***

On The Continent is your definitive podcast for European football. Subscribe for new podcasts every Thursday and Friday throughout the 2026/27 European football season, covering the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, the Süper Lig, Eredivisie, Liga Portugal and more.

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Elversberg, make sure you’re wearing sturdy footwear and please mind the scaffolding.

It was a proper David vs Goliath story in the Bundesliga this weekend as Bayern Munich travelled to new boys Elversberg. Today, Andy is joined by Archie Rhind-Tutt to assess what Bayern’s 2-1 win means for both sides. Plus, despite the romance of the Elversberg story, does the Bundesliga need more of the traditional big clubs to return to their former glory?

Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.

For 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!***

On The Continent is your definitive podcast for European football. Subscribe for new podcasts every Thursday and Friday throughout the 2026/27 European football season, covering the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, the Süper Lig, Eredivisie, Liga Portugal and more.

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thursday night Champions League fixtures do still feel a little bit weird, and that weirdness was matched on and off the pitch last night. After Fenerbahçe's 1-1 draw with Roma, their manager İsmail Kartal announced his resignation in the post-match press conference. Unfortunately for left-back Archie Brown, nobody gave him a heads up.

Lars Sivertsen joins Andy to dissect Thursday night's action, including Bayern Munich's demolition of Bodø/Glimt. We all know they're good, but will they finally make that count in this season's competition?

Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.

For 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!***

On The Continent is your definitive podcast for European football. Subscribe for new podcasts every Thursday and Friday throughout the 2026/27 European football season, covering the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, the Süper Lig, Eredivisie, Liga Portugal and more.

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Champions League is back! Unfortunately for Napoli though, their opening night defeat to Arsenal makes it three losses on the bounce for Max Allegri. At a club as unforgiving as Aurelio De Laurentiis' Napoli, might he already be nearing an exit?

Miguel Delaney joins Dotun and Andy from Naples to give us the lowdown. Plus, José Mourinho gets his first Champions League win back at Real Madrid, but their performance left us with more questions than answers. And it's a European breakthrough for Ireland and Real Betis' Troy Parrott. A flash in the pan or the start of something great?

Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.

For 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!***

On The Continent is your definitive podcast for European football. Subscribe for new podcasts every Thursday and Friday throughout the 2026/27 European football season, covering the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, the Süper Lig, Eredivisie, Liga Portugal and more.

Hosted on Acast. See https://acast.com/privacy for more information.