Best Team Barca Podcasts (2024)

1
Ask OTC: The rise of Arne Slot, La Liga in the US, and Sassuolo’s slide 28:23

1d ago28:23

28:23

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…

1
I’m here, I am staying here 49:55

1d ago49:55

49:55

“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, …

1
OTC Special: Celebrating the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen 27:18

2d ago27:18

27:18

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…

1
Bellingham for Ballon d'Or | Forest's classless tweet: 'I hope they go down!' | Bridgey fills a teammate's car with fish guts! 57:30

4d ago57:30

57:30

We are back for another ripper episode of the Optus Sport Football Podcast, and this week Mark Schwarzer and Phil Kitromilides have Michael Bridges along for the ride! The lads discuss: Why Bridgey filled a teammate's car with fish guts that he rang in as a favour! The 'classless' tweet from Nottingham Forest and why one of our panel think on that …

1
Ask OTC: Why players want to play for Barcelona, De Rossi’s hard launch at Roma and the impact Lewis Ferguson’s injury 24:24

7d ago24:24

24:24

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…

1
A Rüdiger Awakening 52:11

8d ago52:11

52:11

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…

1
Madrid and Bayern complete semi-final line-up 31:36

9d ago31:36

31:36

On a night where it was all to play for across Europe, Madrid and Bayern secured their spots in the final four of the UEFA Champions League. Nothing could separate Manchester City and Real Madrid after 120 minutes of football, with the match finishing 1-1, 4-4 on aggregate. Andriy Lunin was then the hero in the penalty shoot-out, saving two spot ki…

1
Paris and Dortmund storm into semis 36:08

10d ago36:08

36:08

The quarter-final second legs picked up where the first legs left off with two pulsating drama-filled ties. In Spain, Paris recovered from a goal down to stun 10 man Barcelona 4-1 on the night, and 6-4 on aggregate, in what was yet another action packed encounter between the two sides. Second half goals from Vitinha and two from Kylian Mbappe seale…

1
Werner 'technically one of the worst players!' | Is the Premier League title over? | Leverkusen > City treble blow-up! | 'No way' Ten Hag keeps his job | Huge El Clasico preview 1:06:19

11d ago1:06:19

1:06:19

Well, as if firing up Antoine Griezmann wasn't enough last time he opened the mic on the Optus Sport Football Podcast, Jay Bothroyd is back to join Mark Schwarzer and (rile up!) Phil Kitromilides, as the guys tackle plenty and of course, ruffle a few feathers along the way: After two unexpected results for Liverpool and Arsenal, has City (AGAIN!) h…

1
Ask OTC: What’s changed since Fenerbahçe’s protest, Tuchel’s next move, and France’s ultimate comeback story 31:54

14d ago31:54

31:54

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…

1
Will the real Barça coach please stand up? 48:21

16d ago48:21

48:21

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…

1
Enthralling quarter-final first leg contests leave ties perfectly poised 31:44

16d ago31:44

31:44

The second night of UEFA Champions League quarter-final action lived up to the first, with drama aplenty across the two ties. In the French capital, Paris and Barcelona shared five goals between them, with the Spanish side securing a 3-2 win and a narrow advantage to take into next week’s second leg. Meanwhile, a tight contest at Estadio Metropolit…

1
Quarter-finals start in style with two classics 31:12

18d ago31:12

31:12

The quarter-final first legs began with a bang this evening with brilliant goals aplenty in both Madrid and London. At the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, the 2022 and the 2023 champions played out a thrilling 3-3 draw, with Real Madrid twice coming from behind to peg back Manchester City. We hear from City manager Pep Guardiola as well as surprise goal…

1
'Emotion of the title race overwhelmed Liverpool' | The manager who cried Wolves | Are points deductions fair for anyone? 44:31

18d ago44:31

44:31

The Premier League title race has taken another twist; so Mark, Phil and Thomas Sorensen are here to assess it all. We also take a chance to look at the other end of the table, with seven teams in a battle against relegation. The guys also decide to isolate every Australian Wolves fan by all claiming their goal SHOULD have been disallowed at the we…

1
Ask OTC: Can Rúben Amorim be Klopp's heir, Valencia’s steady redemption, and inspirational coaches 27:24

23d ago27:24

27:24

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…

1
Two tales of two coaches 46:41

23d ago46:41

46:41

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…

1
74: ENDLESS SUMMER: THE EUROS, OLYMPICS, TITLES, CUPS & MORE 56:01

24d ago56:01

56:01

МИ НА ЄВРО! Rey and Andrew sit down to digest the international break and look ahead to what will be an action packed summer of football - from the business ends of the domestic league and cup comps to the big tournaments in Germany and France! A massive thank you to this episode's sponsor WatchUPL.com (more info below) In this week's episode we ta…

1
Haaland 'a League Two player' in title-decider fizzer! | Is De Zerbi off to Liverpool? | Ange & Spurs to miss Top 4! | Xavi to remain at Barca? 58:58

25d ago58:58

58:58

WE didn't say that about Erling Haaland... promise! But you bet we debated it, and there was plenty more hearty discussion this week as Mark Schwarzer was joined by journalist Phil Kitromilides and former Leeds United striker Michael Bridges who dropped his moving boxes to put a rule across the weekend of football, including: An alleged 'title-deci…

1
Ask OTC: Ligue 1 without Mbappé, the future for Wirtz, and the Basque National Team 30:25

28d ago30:25

30:25

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…

1
France’s Harry Maguire 46:49

1M ago46:49

46:49

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 …

1
Antoine Griezmann slander put to bed - or is it? | Should Mbappe be captain of France? | Our EURO Playoff predictions! | Manchester City v Arsenal preview 1:05:18

1M ago1:05:18

1:05:18

Well, well, well. After the social media firestorm that broke out after last week's episode, Jay Bothroyd left Mark Schwarzer to pick up the pieces on this week's show. With him were Phil Kitromilides and Julien Laurens as they held Mark to account for his comments that had the France and Atletico Madrid star hurling pizza emojis his way! As well, …

1
Ask OTC: Inter’s potential dynasty, the chase for Victor Osimhen, and Conference League favourites 22:02

1M ago22:02

22:02

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…

1
Is football fan culture in crisis? 46:58

1M ago46:58

46:58

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…

1
Griezmann a 'luxury player'? | The greatest FA Cup match? | Spurs take a big top four hit | EURO playoffs this week! | We make our EURO predictions! 56:19

1M ago56:19

56:19

The gang is all together in London this week and as such, are pumped to chew the fat over everything in the football world...to the point that Phil almost missed his flight home! Mark Schwarzer, Michael Bridges, Phil Kitromilides, Julien Laurens and Jay Bothroyd discuss it all, including: A LIVELY debate about the talents and input of Antoine Griez…

1
73: THE PLAY OFFS: MARCH INT'L BREAK w/ Haris Mrkonja (N1 BiH) 1:02:30

1M ago1:02:30

1:02:30

Zdravo! Andrew and Adam are with you to provide a comprehensive (as can be) preview to the upcoming crucial international break! Ukraine face Bosnia in a Euro 2024 Q Play Off Semi Final in Zenica on Thursday so who better than friend of the pod - Bosnian sports journalist Haris Mrkonja – who works for broadcaster N1 to join us to talk about it all …

1
Ask OTC: The looming Club World Cup, Rafa Benítez's next job, and one of Europe’s hottest strikers 27:36

1M ago27:36

27:36

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…

1
Diego Simeone’s shield of steel 52:20

1M ago52:20

52:20

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…

1
Dortmund and Atletico complete quarter-final line-up 30:14

1M ago30:14

30:14

After a night of high drama and late goals, the quarter-final line-up for this year’s UEFA Champions League is now complete. Dortmund overcame a spirited PSV 2-0 in their last 16 second leg, courtesy of goals from Jadon Sancho and Marco Reus, winning 3-1 on aggregate. Elsewhere, Inter looked set for the quarter-finals, before a late Memphis Depay g…

1
Joy for Arsenal in shoot-out and job done for Barca 30:23

2M ago30:23

30:23

After 90 minutes and extra-time, Arsenal finally booked their place in the quarter-finals as David Raya denied Porto twice in the Champions League’s first penalty shoot-out since 2016. Elsewhere, Barcelona booked their return to the next stage as goals from Fermín López, João Cancelo and Robert Lewandowski saw them beat Napoli 3-1 on the night, 4-2…

1
Liverpool v City: best 1-1 draw? | Where was Haaland? | Are Ange’s Spurs still a shot at the title?! | McGinn’s strength also his weakness 49:57

2M ago49:57

49:57

While Mark Schwarzer is granted a hall pass for the week, Phil Kitromilides takes the driver’s wheel and is joined by Michael Bridges and Julien Laurens as they rip apart the title chases in the Premier League and LALIGA: Liverpool v Manchester City: is it one of the great 1-1 draws? We were exhausted! Disagreement over whose title it is going be! …

1
Ask OTC: The fall of Gio Reyna, best English players in Europe, and clubs we’d take over 24:02

2M ago24:02

24:02

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…

1
Are we the bad guys? 48:30

2M ago48:30

48:30

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…

1
Madrid and City secure last 8 spots 30:06

2M ago30:06

30:06

Another two clubs have secured their spots in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals! In a pulsating game at the Bernabeu, Leipzig gave it everything to overturn a narrow 1-0 deficit against Real Madrid, but it was the 14-time European champions who progressed to the last eight after a 1-1 draw on the night made it 2-1 on aggregate. Meanwhile, Ma…

1
Bayern and Paris cruise into Quarters 32:53

2M ago32:53

32:53

The first two Champions League quarter-finalists were decided tonight in emphatic fashion. In Munich, Bayern made light work of their Round of 16 first leg deficit cruising to a 3-0 victory over Lazio, progressing 3-1 on aggregate, thanks to a Harry Kane brace and Thomas Muller strike. In the night’s other last 16 encounter, Kylian Mbappe inspired …

1
BONUS Episode: Micky van de Ven x Mark Schwarzer | The incredible effect of Ange Postecoglou | Being the most blistering fast player the Premier League has ever seen 19:26

2M ago19:26

19:26

In this very special one-on-one between Tottenham Hotspur star Micky van de Ven and former Premier League goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, the Spurs lightning bolt details: Why Ange Postecoglou is the one he has learned the most from in his short career The difference he has found between the German and English leagues How he became the fastest player in…

1
Erik ten Hag 'on borrowed time' at Manchester United | Liverpool v Man City: the new Clasico? | Would a stop-clock have helped Real Madrid? 1:00:40

2M ago1:00:40

1:00:40

Schwarzie and Phil are joined this week by Thomas Sorensen after the Manchester derby went exactly how everyone expected it to, and react to Paul Scholes claiming Erik Ten Hag is set to be replaced in the summer. Meanwhile the guys delve into the refereeing controversies of the weekend: should Liverpool have been given the chance to score their lat…

1
Ask OTC: Is this the end for Paul Pogba, the Basque region’s golden era, and the curious case of Paulo Dybala 32:52

2M ago32:52

32:52

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…

1
Less sexy, less successful 51:03

2M ago51:03

51:03

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 …

1
72: A NEW DAWN: UAF, UPL & KIDS ABROAD w/ Gerry Luczka 1:38:14

2M ago1:38:14

1:38:14

Adam, Andrew and Rey reconvene for the resumption of the 23/24 UPL season! The business end of the campaign is underway! With no more teams in Europe and the transfer window winding down focus turns towards cup finals, medal races, relegations, promotions and national team tournaments! This week, they also welcome special guest Gerry Luczka – a for…

1
Antony 'humiliated' by Ten Hag | Is Foden keeping De Bruyne out of the Man City team!? | Why the Olympics may stop Mbappe to Real Madrid! 57:59

2M ago57:59

57:59

Mark and Phil are joined this week by Julien Laurens, who is in Schwarzie's bad books for celebrating the Socceroos' Asian Cup loss... Manchester United are struggling...again. The Premier League title race is wide open...again. And could Mbappe to Real Madrid not happen...again!? Is it also time for the old guard to step aside? Foden is impressing…

1
Ask OTC: Bologna’s dream, why the protests in Germany, and Marseille’s desperate hire 28:03

2M ago28:03

28:03

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…

1
Clash of the falling champions 54:58

2M ago54:58

54:58

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…

1
Porto leave it late, Napoli bounce back against Barca 31:53

2M ago31:53

31:53

The Round of 16 first legs culminated with late drama, as Porto’s talisman Galeno struck an injury time stunner to break Arsenal hearts. Elsewhere in Italy, it was a battle of the goalscoring number nines as Victor Osimhen cancelled out Robert Lewandowski’s first half strike to earn Napoli a 1-1 draw with Barcelona. We hear from Barca midfielder Il…

1
Inter edge Atletico, PSV held by Dortmund 30:39

2M ago30:39

30:39

The Round of 16 continued with two more absorbing first leg encounters. In Milan, Inter overcame Atletico 1-0 at the San Siro courtesy of a late Marko Arnautovic strike. While in Eindhoven, PSV and Dortmund played out a evenly fought 1-1 draw with a Luke de Jong penalty cancelling out an early Donyell Malen strike for the Germans. We hear from Arna…

1
BONUS Episode: J-League 2024 Season Preview 27:29

2M ago27:29

27:29

Schwarzie is joined by Jay Bothroyd who spent six seasons playing in Japan to look ahead to the new season of the J-League which is live and exclusive on Optus Sport. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
'Remarkable' Roy Hodgson leaves Crystal Palace | Who is winning the Premier League title? | Why YOU should watch the J-League this season! 1:07:42

2M ago1:07:42

1:07:42

Schwarzie and Phil are joined for the first time on the pod by former England, Wolves and Cardiff City striker Jay Bothroyd. After spending a while revelling in how Jay has an England cap and Bridgey doesn't, the guys chat about Roy Hodgson stepping down as Crystal Palace manager and assess the Premier League title race. Jay also tells us why we sh…

1
Ask OTC: Is time up for Tuchel, the rise of Florian Wirtz, and blue cards 25:26

2M ago25:26

25:26

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…

1
Now or never for PSG? 49:31

2M ago49:31

49:31

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…

1
BONUS EP: Katrina Gorry x Mark Schwarzer | West Ham's amazing 'family club' status | Matildas' World Cup legacy | 18:32

2M ago18:32

18:32

On a very special episode of the Optus Sport Football Podcast, Mark Schwarzer is joined by Matildas and West Ham United star Katrina Gorry, one of the unsung heroes of the Aussies' World Cup charge, discussing: Motherhood, expected motherhood and the unprecedented support from the West Ham club Her national teammates and their bright futures The in…

1
Paris and Lazio make home advantage count 32:29

2M ago32:29

32:29

Paris Saint-Germain began the knockout stage with an impressive 2-0 home victory in their round of 16 first leg tie against Real Sociedad, with Kylian Mbappe and Bradley Barcola on the scoresheet. Meanwhile, Lazio surprised 10 man Bayern in Rome, winning 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico, thanks to a Ciro Immobile penalty. We hear from Paris’ Player of th…

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