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…

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…

French football has finally agreed a new TV deal, just one month before the start of the new season. But what does it all mean? Today, Andy is joined by Jonathan Johnson to explain the new deal and how things got so desperate for French football. JJ also outlines why this might not be the end of French football’s financial issues, and how French cl…

What’s the biggest news you might have missed during Euro 2024? Dotun, Andy and Lars are here to catch you on all the summer happenings across the continent! Plus, will Álvaro Morata be a good fit at AC Milan? What’s been the reaction to Marseille signing Mason Greenwood? And what can Man United fans expect from their new man, Joshua Zirkzee? Join …

As we gear up for the return of domestic football, some of Europe’s top clubs are undergoing a summer rebuild. Today, Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen are here to explain why Thiago Motta’s main job at Juventus will be to achieve one thing: lose the title of "the Italian Manchester United”. Speaking of imitations, Andy explains how Dortmund are doing…

Have we just witnessed the start of the next great Spanish football dynasty? Today, Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge are here to unpick how Spain won Euro 2024 by playing the best football at the tournament. Even if it wasn’t typically Spanish at times. Elsewhere, David and Andy also take a moment to commend the Basque core which was such an importa…

With just days until the Euro 2024 champions are crowned Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini answer your questions about the biggest game of the year. Have Spain peaked a little too soon? Or have they saved a masterclass for the biggest stage? We also look back over the Euros more broadly, Türkiye take on Georgia to decide the tournament’s biggest overac…

Our Euro 2024 final has been decided: Spain vs England. How did we get here and what should we expect? Today, Nicky Bandini explains to Dotun and Andy how she’s been impressed by Spain’s ability to win different types of matches. And what about England’s chances? Andy outlines how Bukayo Saka could be absolutely crucial in Sunday’s final. Plus, Did…

England and France were both favourites coming into the Euros and have both been heavily criticised for their underwhelming performances. What’s the difference between the two teams? Didier Deschamps and co simply could not care less. Today, Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen are here to explain why France are completely unfazed by public opinion. Else…

How did Portugal react to Cristiano Ronaldo’s tears? We know what Arda Güler and Lamine Yamal are all about at international level right now – but what does the future look like for them at their clubs? Should we be surprised that Turkey and Switzerland have done so well? And is this year’s Euros proof that a single-host competition is ALWAYS the b…

We’re getting to the business end of Euro 2024! Today, Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge debate who will come out on top in the first quarter-final: Spain or Germany. Elsewhere, Andy and David explain why Didier Deschamps’ handling of Antoine Griezmann could be the key reason why France have struggled so far at Euro 2024. Plus, why it might be too ea…

Spain put on a dazzling display last night against favourite OTC hipster pick Georgia. Two players dazzled particularly – Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal. Dotun, Andy and Nicky discuss how Spain are thriving with that extra dynamism. Can they be stopped? Plus, while Nico Williams and his club are closer than ever, despite rumours of a transfer circl…

With the group stages finished up Dotun, Andy and Jonathan Johnson are here to answer all of your burning questions! We wonder if Germany and Spain have tidied up their pre-tournament issues, give Georgia their deserved flowers and settle on a few young stars who may have earned themselves a move after some exceptional performances. Plus, we rank t…

Dotun, Andy and Jonathan Johnson take stock of the biggest stories that have emerged from the group stages thus far. We hear about the pressure on Didier Deschamps back home and wonder how the varying form of Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé could save - or sink - their ship. Elsewhere, Belgium scrape through amid plenty of fan …

Germany have topped their group… just. Today, David Cartlidge explains to Dotun and Andy how other teams can take inspiration from Switzerland when playing Germany in the knockout rounds. Elsewhere, Didier Deschamps has been accused of being cowardly. Andy and David debate whether that is fair or whether 'pragmatic' would be a more appropriate labe…

Spain 1 - 0 Italy… doesn’t really do it justice, does it? Today, Andy and David Cartlidge are here to react to an eye-catching performance from Spain. All they needed was a couple more goals. Elsewhere, David makes the case for why Spain has the best midfield in the tournament. Plus, Andy and David analyse where this result and performance leaves I…

Things are hotting up in Germany, but are the home fans starting to believe? Today, Archie Rhind-Tutt tells Dotun and Andy how the German fans are starting to feel optimistic about their team's chances, even if they’re not making as much noise as the Scotland fans just yet. Elsewhere, Archie and Andy explain how Croatia’s midfield is starting to re…

When it comes to winning a major tournament, how important are vibes? Today Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini are here to explain how Germany’s recent improvements could be down to Julian Nagelsmann simply getting the atmosphere right in the Germany camp. Elsewhere, they try to make sense of the Netherlands' defensive frailties, despite having some of …

As we get ready for Euro 2024 Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen are here to answer all of your questions ahead of the tournament. Who is going to be the breakout star? Can Scotland get out of their group? What countries are on the verge of a golden generation? And what country wins the food European Championships? Listen to find out! Ask us a question…

We’re finally here! Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen are here with everything you need to know about the most intriguing teams and players across the continent vying for Euros glory! We wonder if France are now the firm favourites, work out whether Germany and/or Spain can convert promising recent signs into legitimate progress and run through some o…

"Rhythm Is a Dancer, is Nagelsmann’s the answer?" That’s the question that Dotun and Andy are asking Archie Rhind-Tutt on our final Euro 2024 preview. Today, Archie is here to offer insight into how Germany are preparing to host Europe’s elite both on and off the field and whether tournament Germany will really turn up this time around. Plus, Archi…

Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leão, João Félix, João Palhinha, Rúben Dias… These are just some of the players in the Portugal squad. Are people underestimating them?T oday, Miguel Pereira joins Andy and David Cartlidge to share some insight into what to expect from Portugal at Euro 2024. Miguel explains how the team have evolved towards a…

Belgium are the perennial tournament dark horses of the modern era. But, as their golden generation starts to fade away, how are the Red Devil’s shaping up ahead of Euro 2024? Today, Dotun and Andy are joined by Belgian football expert Kristof Terreur, who explains why optimism is low in the country despite a recent upturn in form under Domenico Te…

As the curtain falls on continental club football for another season, Dotun, Andy and Jonathan Johnson tackle some of your burning questions about various players and managers moving on to pastures new. We ask how PSG can maintain their global appeal without Kylian Mbappé, wonder if Benjamin Šeško is the hottest striker on the market this summer an…

After two years of speculation, Kylian Mbappé has finally got his move to Real Madrid! But before that, he has the pressing issue of Euro 2024. Today, Dotun and Andy are joined by Johnathan Johnson who explains how Mbappé’s slightly disjointed end to the season might actually help France in the long run. Elsewhere, Antonio Conte has taken over at N…

Romania shocked everyone by qualifying for Euro 2024 without losing a single game! On today’s Euros preview, Romanian Football journalist Emanuel Roşu joins Andy to explain how manager Edward Iordănescu turned an “average” group of players from “underachievers to overachievers”. Elsewhere, Emi tells Andy why Romanian fans have VERY high expectation…

Ahead of Euro 2024, OTC will be releasing a series of episodes where we speak to the experts and bring you some fascinating insight into some of the teams you should be keeping an eye on during this summers tournament. First up, Dotun and Andy are joined by British Ukrainian Sports Journalist and founder of Zorya Londonsk, Andrew Todos, to find out…

La Décimoquinta is here! Real Madrid are European Champions for the fifteenth time. Today, Andy and David Cartlidge discuss how Madrid won the final. David makes the case for why Vinicius Junior is the best player in the world and outlines what Madrid’s future could look like with Kylian Mbappé. They also look ahead to next season for Borussia Dort…

As the European domestic season draws to a close, we highlight a few of this season’s most underrated teams and tip our hats to an unlikely title winner over in Poland. Plus, the likes of Sérgio Conceição and Paulo Fonseca take their places on the managerial merry-go-round - and we ask if any team from outside European football’s traditional elite …

Olympiacos made history last night by becoming the first club team from Greece to win a European trophy, in their rival's backyard as well. Today, Andy, Dotun and David Cartlidge are here to explain what this means not just for Olympiacos but for Greek football generally. Elsewhere, David details the appalling way in which Barcelona have treated Xa…

Why on earth are Bayern Munich trying to confirm Vincent Kompany as their next manager? Where next for Mauricio Pochettino, has he exhausted his options? Plus, are the Belgian Championship play-offs just a bit of fun for the neutral or grossly unfair? And is Roberto De Zerbi seriously Barcelona’s next best candidate? Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen …

Ademola Lookman became the 17th player in history to receive a 10/10 rating in L'Équipe last night. And more importantly, he helped Atalanta win their first trophy in 51 years. Today, Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen are here to explain how Lookman came this far and what this win means for legendary Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini. Elsewhere, A…

For the last time ever, Alasdair, Barlow and Michael discuss and analyse the latest European football news. In handing out their alternative end-of-season awards, the boys look at Atalanta’s new groove, Strasbourg’s underwhelming campaign, Union Berlin’s imperilled fairytale, Udinese’s artful longevity, Iker Muniain’s emotional farewell and more. 2…

Is the INEOS takeover at Manchester United bad news for Nice? And why could they be about to lose one of their prized assets - Khéphren Thuram - for barely any money? Cesc Fàbregas has helped steer Como back to Serie A for the first time in over 20 years – but why is he not the ‘real’ manager? Plus, is José Mourinho really about to jet off to Saudi…

256 goals, 108 assists and one mediocre send off. Today, Dotun, Andy and Nicky look at Kylian Mbappé’s PSG legacy and explain why he might not be loved in Paris in the way his record merits. Elsewhere, it’s been an action-packed week in Italy. Nicky explains how Juventus overcame the odds to beat Atalanta in the Coppa Italia final and Andy asks wha…

One of the defining stories of this season’s Premier League has been - you guessed it - points deductions. But over in the Netherlands, Eredivisie side Vitesse have been relegated after being given the largest points penalty in Dutch history. They were docked a whopping 18 points after an investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism disc…

If Paulo Fonseca gets the Marseille job, is he the right man to take them forward? How do Juventus restore themselves as the dominant force in Serie A? How have FC Köln gone from European aspirants to relegation favourites within a few years? And Parma are back at the top table in Italy! But can they stay there this time? Andy is joined by David Ca…

Joselu was the hero in Madrid. Should we have expected anything else? Today, Andy, Nicky Bandini and David Cartlidge explain why Joselu having the limelight is typical of Madrid's anti-Galáctico season. Plus, David makes the case that Vinicius Junior is still widely underrated in England. Elsewhere, the panel explain how OTC favourite Edin Terzić g…

To mark the 100th (and penultimate) episode of the podcast, Alasdair, Barlow and Michael reflect on five memorable seasons covering European football’s most intriguing storylines. 2:28 - Why have we decided to draw the podcast to a close at the end of the current season? / 16:40 - Which developments and themes have we most enjoyed covering over the…

Andy is joined by Lars Sivertsen and Jonathan Johnson to tuck into some more intriguing questions as the European domestic season reaches its dramatic conclusion. We wonder which of the coaching free agents - Conte, Mourinho, Potter, Zidane, Flick et al - will snag a new job this summer. Plus, we despair at the state of Schalke, ask if Dortmund sho…

Unbelievably Dortmund has the best defensive record in the Champions League this season. Today Andy Brassell is joined by Lars Sivertsen and Jonathan Johnson to unpick how Dortmund keep performing in Europe and dissect what PSG need to change for the second leg. In the other semi-final, it was vintage Tuchel in the second half from Bayern, however,…

It was a historic weekend in Portuguese football. Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa’s 42-year reign as president of FC Porto came to an end after André Villas-Boas secured a landslide victory in the presidential elections. However, it wasn’t a quiet campaign. In November last year, there was a violent outbreak in the club's General Assembly and a number of…

Does Arne Slot have what it takes to succeed Jürgen Klopp? With La Liga’s president talking about games in the US, how much can European leagues really sell themselves abroad? What’s happened to Sassuolo since their halcyon De Zerbi days? And what’s on the to do list for Dortmund’s new CEO of sport, Lars Ricken? Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini are on…

“Io sto qua e io resto qua” (I’m here, I am staying here). The king of the cups, Simone Inzaghi, has finally gone one step further and won his first - and Inter’s 20th - Scudetto. Today Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini are here to explain why they see Inzaghi’s immediate future at Inter despite some huge managerial vacancies across Europe. Elsewhere, …

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…