Eurotales Football Podcast

A year in football can feel like an eternity, and what a difference a year makes. Just twelve months ago, we were salivating over Bologna's determined charge toward the Champions League's holy grail. Among the heroes of Bologna's ascent, two were swiftly recruited by bigger clubs in the football sea. Zirkzee found himself swept into Manchester United's whirlpool, while tactical genius Thiago Motta was snagged by the giants of Turin, Juventus. Yet, Zirkzee's time in red has left fans wanting more, and Motta has already exited the Juventus stage after just two transfer windows. Despite a hefty war chest, Juventus now grapples with its own crisis. The Bianconeri have a penchant for turning to familiar faces during turbulent times. Motta has been replaced by former star Igor Tudor, who now takes the helm on a short-term deal. Today, we're thrilled to welcome back the insightful Italian football expert, Daniele Fisichella, to navigate the latest challenges facing the Old Lady. There is no finer Italian football mind than Daniele follow him on X - @dfisi Follow Eurotales - @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Basque Brilliance: Bilbao's Bold Quest for La Liga Glory Join us for an exhilarating look at Bilbao's ambitious pursuit of La Liga glory. In this episode, we feature football expert Ray Mundo, who reflects on how the sport has shaped his career. Discover the strategic prowess of manager Ernesto Valverde and the team's remarkable home advantage that stifles opponents. We'll also highlight standout talents like Oihan Sancet and discuss the possibilities for a title run. Tune in for an engaging exploration of Bilbao's inspiring football journey! Follow Ray Mundo on X - @RayMundoFutbol and his sensational youtube channel click here Follow Eurotales on X - @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, our journey takes us to the Bundesliga. German football has a rich history of talent and top-tier managers. Just ask the English FA, who appointed a German and former manager of Manager of Mainz Thomas Tuchel as manager of England. The question arises: who is the next elite coach from the Bundesliga we should watch? Enter Bo Henriksen, the Danish dynamo who took charge of Mainz in February 2024. At that time, Mainz struggled in 17th place, relegation fears weighed heavy. Now, they are in the hunt for a Champions League spot. We're thrilled to have Rune Gjerulff Petersen join us, founder of the magnificent Bundesliga site Bulinews.com, Rune is also a fellow country man of Bo Henriksen a fellow great Dane. Follow Rune on X - @runegjerulff Follow Eurotales on X - @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Monaco have thrilled and delighted in patches in this season's Champions League, they even vanquished Barcelona and Aston Villa. But in life we often get a mirror held up to our soul, reflecting the darkest corners of our own heart, a nemesis meets us at the crossroads of destiny. For Adi Hütter's exciting young Monaco side Portuguese outfit Benfica have been the tormentors to their European dreams. We are blessed to be joined by a guru who lives and breathes Monaco, Edward Stratmann from the Monaco Tribune to discuss Monaco's European adventure that ended in heartbreak. Follow Ed on X: @EdwardStratmann Follow Eurotales on X: @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we explore Marseille's quest to challenge PSG's dominance in Ligue 1. With the season hitting the final stretch, Marseille enjoys a weekly rhythm, sitting in second place. Under Roberto De Zerbi's leadership, the club strengthened its squad during the January transfer window, aiming for greatness. Joining us is George Boxall, a prominent voice in French football, who shares insights on Marseille's potential and struggles. Not only does George contribute to the official Ligue 1 site, but he also wields the editorial pen at Get French Football News. We discuss the club's enigmatic history, De Zerbi's influence, and the passionate support from the ultras. We also examine Marseille's attacking style and the emergence of Mason Greenwood as a key player. Plus, we delve into the arrival of Amine Gouiri and his journey to fulfilling his promise at the Velodrome. Can Marseille ultimately dethrone PSG? Join us for an engaging conversation and discover more about George's work in the football community. Follow George on X: @georgeboxall22 Follow Eurotales on X for future episodes: @Eurotalespod Or Blue Sky: @eurotalespod.bsky.social Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The football spotlight now shifts to Europe's midweek stage, where excitement ignites. Aston Villa faces Celtic in a showdown dubbed the Battle of Britain, enticing fans from the British Isles. Irish supporters are set to bring the thunder also, rallying behind both Celtic and Villa with passionate cheers. Joining us this week is Neil, a devoted Irish Aston Villa fan and co-host of the For The Love Of Paul McGrath podcast, to give us an Irish perspective ahead of the game. We hope you enjoy the discussion! Follow Neil on Twitter for more insights For The Love of Paul McGrath Villa Podcast (@LoveMcGrathpod) / X and catch a link to his showhttps://t.co/6Vhm3BMLT6. Follow us on Eurotales (1) Euro Tales (@Eurotalespod) / X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Eurotales the transfer window is open for business once more where the teams all around Europe seek to upgrade their playing squads and pick up a bargain or a superstar who's contract is dwindling. We are going to profile four stars in waiting who may be on the move this January window. Samuele Ricci – Stylish Italian Deep Lying Midfielder Kiliann Sildillia – French Right Back In Need Of A Fresh Start Malick Fofana – Electric Belgian Winger Ben Godfrey – A English Defender In Need Of Rescuing Follow us on X Euro Tales (@Eurotalespod) / X Follow us on Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nantes season mirrors a rollercoaster ride. Early success—7 points from 9—raised hopes for midtable stability. Dreams shattered quickly. Winless between September and December beckons a relegation battle. This pattern echoes recent years. Last season, relegation loomed until Antoine Kombouaré, their rehired ex-manager, orchestrated a miraculous escape. Despite tensions with president Waldemar Kita, Kombouaré answered the call. Now, history may repeat. Will Kombouaré save Nantes again? Or will Kita sack him once more? The club teeters on a familiar precipice, caught between hope and despair. Nantes future remains uncertain. Past seasons offer conflicting precedents. As the drama unfolds, we turn to Paul Reeve, a man deeply connected to the French club, for insight into their precarious situation. Follow us on X Euro Tales (@Eurotalespod) / X or Bluesky @Eurotalespod (@eurotalespod.bsky.social) — Bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Forest's revival stirs long-dormant dreams. Brazilian flair and Greek billions propel them skyward. An Anfield ambush proved their mettle. Now can they eye Europe? Matching Spurs and Villa for points currently would indicate yes. What fuels this ascent? History whispers of past glories. Turbulent years fade as dreams of a Euro return beckons. Adam from Red Side Of The Trent Podcast unpacks the phenomenon. A Netflix-worthy plot unfolds at the City Ground. Follow Eurotales on X @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Eurotales, where we offer a refreshing change from the same old stories about European football's top clubs. This week, we're heading to France to catch up with our friend, respected journalist Roy Calley, now based in the beautiful French Riviera. After years with the BBC, Roy was drawn to OGC Nice, where he's now a season ticket holder and deeply involved in the vibrant French football scene. OGC Nice is a club often affected by changes in the wind, and its landscape has shifted significantly since Franck Haise took over as manager last summer. Haise's appointment is a major coup for the club, owned by Manchester United's Jim Ratcliffe. As the former Lens manager, Haise masterminded the RC Lens fairy tale, using his shrewd management skills to help the team achieve more than expected. With Haise at the helm, OGC Nice is set to adopt a new philosophy, revamping tactics and team dynamics. The club's ability to adapt to high-profile player departures will test its resilience and ambition. As OGC Nice navigates this period of change, questions arise about its future direction, identity, and competitive edge in Ligue 1, especially with Monaco, Marseille, and Lille reemerging as strong contenders. Roy Calley's insight sheds light on this transformative time, combining local expertise with journalistic acumen. Follow Roy on Twitter/X - @Roycalley Follow Eurotales On Twitter/X - @Eurotalespod If you love French Football subscribe to our French football newsletter for free- The Ligue1 Essential | Liam Scahill | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Serie A beckons once more, fresh from last season's goal-fest. Bologna's fairytale run to Champions League qualification under Motta, led by Zirkzee, reminded us of football's enduring magic. Yet success breeds change, and both have departed. Now, eyes turn to potential dark horses. Could Torino be this year's Bologna? Their blistering start - unbeaten in five, briefly topping the table - suggests promise. New manager Pablo Fanoli, fresh from guiding Venezia to promotion, brings ambition. To unravel Torino's surge, we turn to Ruairi Criscuølø , the Italian football sage from the esteemed Anglo-Italian Pod. His insights may illuminate whether Torino can sustain their early-season form and challenge the established order in Serie A. Ruairi blew us away with his knowledge of the beautiful game in Italy check out his podcast The Anglo-Italian Pod follow Ruairi on X @RuairiSC_TAIP Keep in touch with Eurotales between shows @Eurotalespod Thank you for your support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Celtic's Champions League ambitions face a stark contrast to their domestic dominance. At home, Brendan Rodgers' side rules supreme, a giant among minnows. Yet in Europe, they stumble against titans. This disparity highlights a pressing issue: Can the Hoops transcend their "big fish, small pond" status? The Scottish powerhouse boasts a rich European heritage, but recent campaigns have exposed limitations. Now, a potential solution emerges. The revamped Champions League format offers Celtic a fresh opportunity to leave their mark on the continental stage and shatter their glass ceiling. Michael McEwan, our Scottish football guru, delves into the latest developments. Brace yourself for an insightful journey through the beautiful game north of the border. Michael's website is www.michaelmcewanmedia.com His X is @mikieboy83 Follow us on X: @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, we talk to French Football Expert John Porter Editor of the renowned French Football publication The Crazy Dribbler about one of the most talked-about teams in Ligue 1, Lyon. After ending last season with a bang, many believed that they would be a top contender this season. The summer transfer window was chaotic with comings and goings more frequent than spring showers with John Textor at the wheel there is never a quiet moment (Everton beware). Cherki & Caqueret were pushed towards the door kicking and screaming while superstars like Zaha & Mikautadze were procured. Last Season's Performance But, as we all know, things don't always go as planned. Let's take a look at their last season's performance: From mid-December onwards, Lyon played 20 Ligue 1 games. They won an impressive 15 of them. They drew 1 and lost 4. It was a remarkable surge up the table, with an average of 1.9 goals per game. However, their start to the season was so rough that their run to the top wasted a lot of energy just to get out of relegation trouble. It wasn't until their 11th Ligue 1 match in mid-November that they registered their first league win. Fast forward to this season, and it seems like history is repeating itself. Slow Start This Season Lyon started slow, with a 3-0 defeat against Rennes in the opening match and a 2-0 loss against Monaco. Before the international break under severe pressure, Lyon reminded everyone of their potential in 11 minutes of chaos football losing 3-1 to Chelsea owned Strasbourg Lyon inspired by two unlikely heroes Gift Orban and Malick Fofana fought back to win 4-3 in a thrilling encounter. We John just how far can they go this season? Follow us on Twitter - @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Exciting Times for RB Leipzig Last week brought a wave of excitement for Bundesliga team RB Leipzig. They learned about their opponents in the new Champions League format. On the pitch, Bundesliga Matchday two featured Marco Rose's Leipzig facing Xabi Alonso and his unbeaten Bayern Leverkusen. Leverkusen had a remarkable 35-game unbeaten streak. Leipzig, with their own 12-game unbeaten run, was ready for a thrilling match. Powered by the clinical Belgian striker Openda, who scored two goals in the second half, Leipzig handed Leverkusen their first Bundesliga defeat since the end of the 2022/23 season. This win was particularly impressive because Leipzig came back after being down 2-0 at halftime. Being part of the Red Bull sporting group gives them a unique advantage in finding and nurturing young talent. Expert Insights This week, we welcome back Bundesliga expert Rune Gjerulff Petersen (Twitter @runegjerulff). He will discuss whether RB Leipzig can be serious title challengers this season. Rune is the owner of the fantastic Bundesliga site Bulinews.com and a Bundesliga Fantasy football expert. The Rise of RB Leipzig Before 2009, RB Leipzig did not exist. Red Bull came to town and built the club from the ground up. They transformed the small club, SSV Markranstadt, which was in the 5th division of German football. Red Bull, which owns clubs in Salzburg and New York, changed Markranstadt's name, logo, and colors. They bought a ten-year lease on a 43,000-seat stadium, established a training ground, and aimed for the top of German football. In just 8 seasons, RB Leipzig reached the Bundesliga. By their tenth season, they featured in the Champions League. Controversial Tactics Their approach to youth recruitment and high-energy football is hard to resist. However, many German football fans feel uneasy about how they discarded club traditions to start this journey. In Germany, football holds a special place in the community. Many clubs are fan-owned and not just businesses for profit. Exceptions exist, like Wolfsburg and Leverkusen, but RB Leipzig's approach has raised eyebrows. They found ways to navigate football regulations, including the 50-plus-one rule, which aims to keep clubs connected to their supporters. Leipzig has circumvented many of Germany's football rules. They found loopholes and controlled who could own shares in the club, thus satisfying the supporter shareholding requirement. Follow Eurotales on twitter - @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WE ARE BACK: Welcome back to Eurotales for Season 2, the big kick offs are just just days away now, to get you in the mood and back in the groove, we welcome back our Saints expert Fraser Spinney to dissect Southampton's preparations as they embark on another Premier League campaign. Fraser is engrained in all things Southampton, he is part of the newly hotly anticipated Saints podcast Daily Southampton and is the prime Saints correspondent for Southampton News Website SouthamptonFC.News In this episode we discuss: The Martin Way How The Saints Timed Their Playoff Run Exotic Transfer Links Who Next From The Saints Fertile Academy And Much More..... Give us a follow on the ald X - @Eurotalespod For All Things Saints Fraser's Handle is: @FraserSpinney21 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello everyone and welcome back to Eurotales! This week, we are diving into the trenches of the Serie A relegation battle with a special focus on Udinese. Known for their ability to unearth hidden talents, this club has been a force to be reckoned with in recent years despite their modest resources. But this season, they find themselves in a precarious position, fourth from bottom and fighting for their spot in the top-flight. To help us understand the situation at Udinese, we have a special guest with us today, world renowned Italian journalist Nima Tavallaey Roodsari. Nima's career is entrenched in all things Italian football he is the co-host on the magnificent The Italian Football Podcast and founder of one of the world's best Inter Milan focused websites SempreInter.com which brings all the latest Inter news to English speakers. So can the legendary Fabio Cannavaro save one of Serie A's most intriguing clubs from relegation with five games to play? Follow Nima on X - @NimaTavRood Follow Eurotales on X - @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we are graced by Ligue 1 fountain of knowledge, THE MAGNIFICENT French football Robin Bairner, a man who oozies Ligue1 after working in French football in excess of 20years, we are going to discuss a club and manager that in many aspects have not been lauded to a level that they perhaps deserve. We preview the almighty clash of Lille v Aston Villa,. Lille and Paulo Fonseca have hit their stride at just the right time, pushing for a podium finish in Ligue1 and pushing for a semifinal berth in the UFEA Conference League. We are going to place Lille under the microscope as they prepare for their eagerly awaited quarter final clash with Aston Villa in the Conference League this week.  Enjoy! Follow Robin on X for all you French Football Desires - @RBairner Follow Eurotales on X - @Eurotalespod Want to learn more about Lille's rise under Fonseca checkout our free Ligue1 Newsletter - Read More Here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

 As you all know, earlier in the season, ogc Nice was the talk of the town with their impressive defense and their new manager, Francesco Farioli, leading the team to success. But, what happened? How did this team go from being on top of their game to struggling to stay afloat? Well, after three consecutive defeats on their home turf, it's safe to say that things have taken a turn for the worse for Nice. And it's not just any defeats, they lost to relegation strugglers Nantes. Yes, the same team that former manager Antoine Kombouaré has returned to for a second spell in a desperate attempt to avoid relegation. Here's the kicker, since Kombouaré' left Nantes nearly a year ago, no team in Ligue 1 has lost more games than them. So how did Nice manage to lose to this struggling team? Some shocking revelations from players and the manager himself have come to light, hinting at a lack of effort and dedication from certain players. And it's not like Nice has nothing to play for, they are in a race for the podium in Ligue 1. But their recent performances have been far from convincing, including a goalless draw against Reims, who are now just four points behind Nice. To get an insider's perspective on what's happening with Nice and Farioli, we caught up with Roy Calley, a former BBC journalist and a Nice season ticket holder. He will give us the lowdown on what's really going on with the team and whether there are any players who have taken their foot off the gas. But, let's not forget the man between the posts, Marcin Bulka. After the recent defeat, he expressed his anger towards certain players' lack of desire on the pitch. Could this be due to their heads being turned by potential summer moves? We'll find out from Roy himself. So join us as we dive deep into the shocking truth... behind OGC Nice's recent performances. Follow Roy on X - @RoyCalley Follow Our Show On X - @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just weeks ago, Jose's love affair in the eternal city with Roma ended, the Mourinho effect on Roma led to the fans of the Italian club falling in love with the cult manager. A European trophy now dons the hallowed halls of Roma thanks to Jose's tenure, it would not be a jump to say that Mourinho is the most popular Roma manager in modern times. With the fans heartbroken and anger building towards the American owners who made the brave decision to sack Jose, Roma needed someone to reunite the troops. Enter club legend Daniel De Rossi, the former club captain is an iconic figure amongst the passionate Roma faithful and quite possibly the only man that could save the American owners from a PR disaster after ousting Mourinho. Many onlookers seemed shocked at the appointment of De Rossi, was it too much too soon for the rookie coach or was he just a PR stunt, given De Rossi only secured his first coaching role in October 2022 with second-division SPAL, the club was owned by one of Donald Trump's lawyers. With 15 points from 16 games De Rossi's affair with SPAL was brief and as if by some ironic twist of faith, he was sacked on Valentine's day 2023. Fast forward to today and somehow despite a blank CV, De Rossi has realised his dream and become the manager of his club Roma. When he took the reigns, the club was in ninth position, now they are in the mix for Champions League qualification, how has De Rossi orchestrated this turnaround, we are joined by tactical expert with Edward Stratmann (X- @EdwardStratmann ) Ed is a deeply talented writer and tactician, he has been featured on WyScout, Bundeliga.com, AS Roma.com and more than we have space to mention, checkout Ed's Youtube Channel for insights and tactical analysis Licence To Roam - YouTube Enjoy our (X- is Euro Tales (@Eurotalespod) / X (twitter.com) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, we're talking about one of the most inspiring underdog tales in European football - the story of RC Lens. with renowned French football expert Robin Bairner (X- @RBairner) . You may have heard about other underdog teams like Brighton and Leverkusen, but do you know about the remarkable journey of this club from the north of France? The brilliance of Brighton and Leverkusen is well-known, but do RC Lens get the credit they deserve? Maybe their story gets lost in the constant news cycle, but today we're going to shed light on this incredible club. RC Lens has humble beginnings, coming from a mining town that is infused with a hardworking ethos. The club has strong ties with Polish immigrants who came to France to work in the coal mining sector. And just like any other football club, Lens has a symbiotic relationship with its geographical area and supporters. Built on hard work, Lens may not have the riches of other French giants like Nice, Monaco, or PSG, but they have proven time and time again that the collective is greater than the individual. Despite facing financial challenges, Lens has managed to hold their own against these wealthy clubs. In the 90s, Lens even won the Ligue1 title in 1998 and competed in Europe against the likes of Bayern Munich and AC Milan. And although they faced some setbacks in the years that followed, their promotion back to the top division in 2019 marked the start of their gradual progress under the guidance of their fantastic manager, Franch Haise. What's even more impressive is Lens' ability to challenge the big boys, despite losing key players every transfer window. Last season, they finished just one point behind Kylian Mbappe's PSG and secured a Champions League spot, but unfortunately, they still lost some of their star players. But the Lens way is shining through once again this season. Their remarkable ability to absorb player departures and adapt is truly remarkable. They pull off player recruitment masterstrokes too often for it to be a fluke there is a reason Liverpool are being linked with the their magnificent manager Franck Haise and former director Florent Ghisolfi. Can they repeat the trick and qualify for Champions League again? Follow Eurotales on twitter - @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Prepare to be amazed by the remarkable story of Como, a once-forgotten football club that has risen from the depths of bankruptcy to become one of the most captivating projects in European football. Brace yourself for a tale of resilience, ambition, and star-studded backing. Como may have been away from the Serie A spotlight since 2003, but in August 2002, they captured global attention for an entirely different reason. Imagine a football project supported by none other than Cesc Fabregas, Thierry Henry, and Denis Wise - three household names in the world of football. With such star power behind them, Como quickly became a team to watch. Backed by significant financial resources and infused with the glamour of footballing celebrities, the Como project is gaining unstoppable momentum. In the recent January transfer window alone, this Serie B outfit flexed their muscle by securing the signature of a talented 26-year-old player, Brazilian winger Gabriel Strefezza from Serie A side Lecce. Strefezza is already paying back the reported fee of 5m Euro, he's been the difference in his first two games scoring in both, with Como running out 1-0 winners against their opponents securing a vital 6 points on their promotion quest. Today with we are joined by Italian football expert Daniele Fisichella from Talksport to explore this celebrity led rise of Como. Follow Daniele on X @dfisi Keep in touch with Eurotales on X @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of Germany's most famous clubs Werder Bremen are on a crest of a wave, at the weekend the club celebrated their 125th birthday in style with a 1-0 win over Mainz. Historically, only Bayern and Dortmund are more successful than Bremen. Since we beckoned in a new year, Werder Bremen have started showing stoic resolve. Werder's men have now gone seven straight Bundesliga games without defeat, claiming four wins and three draws , they have not tasted defeat since a 2-0 loss against high-flying Stuttgart way back on the 2nd of December. It's not just on the pitch where Werder are looking a professional outfit but off it too, funded by new investors they exploded into the transfer market in January hovering up youthful talent from around most notably Isak Hansen-Aaroen from Manchester United. How far can impressive young manager Ole Werner take this squad? We welcome back, our brilliant Bundesliga guru, the sensational Rune Gjerulff Petersen, to get the lowdown on why the tide is turning for Werder both on and off the pitch. Follow Rune on X @runegjerulff and checkout his fantastic Bundesliga website for all the stories you need from an English speaking perspective Bulinews.com Keep in touch with Eurotales on X - @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Strikers, goal getters, predators are eulogised and chronicled by great writers, they are admired and treasured when a special one dons your club's shirt. In modern times, they are becoming harder to come by but perhaps there is one hiding in plain sight in League Two who dons the International colours of Iraq and comes endowed with a scouse accent.... 21-year-old Ali Al-Hamadi is already a star at AFC Wimbledon, this season from 23 League Two games this season he's conjured 13 goals and 6 assists. He comes with electric pace and an penchant for finishing that is few and afar between. We picked the brain of reporter Edmund Brack (Follow Edmund on twitter for all your football needs @EdmundBrack) from the South London Press to profile this exciting talent who is currently away at the Asian Cup with Iraq, the conquers of the Samurai Blue Japan. Follow Eurotales on Twitter for unique tales and analysis from the hottest minds in European Football. @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last summer Arsenal signed West Ham captain Declan Rice for a whooping reported 105-million -pounds, the fee naturally raised some eyebrows given the player's contract was in its final year. The signing of Rice represented a shift in recruitment ethos from an Arsenal standpoint, they shifted their hunger for signing youth to head-hunting some experienced mid-20 players reaching their prime like Rice. Given Rice an established England international and quite possibly a future England cap counts as a homegrown player for the Premier League and Champions League registration protocols this naturally added to his fee. So as the sands of time pass is Rice the answer Areta's Arsenal have been looking for to finally put pay to Pep's Manchester City's reign of dominance? We get the inside scoop from Adam Keys (Adam Keys (@adamkeys_) / X (twitter.com)) from the popular Gooner show the Arsenal Therapy to analyse if Rice is looking like the final piece to the Arsenal puzzle? Is he their Rodri, the gunpowder their midfield engine room needs to cannon themselves to the title and beyond? Lets get the inside view.  Please give us a review and subscribe to our show. Follow us on Twitter - Euro Tales (@Eurotalespod) / X (twitter.com) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first of our Transfer Watch series, join us on a January Bundesliga scouting mission as we profile three shinning lights full of potential but still remarkably sailing below the radar of media attention for now... Jan Niklas Beste – Heidenham – The Assist King - Winger Maximillian Beier – Hoffenheim – Rising Star - Striker  Angelo Stiller – Stuttgart - Deep Lying Technical Defensive Midfielder   Follow us on twitter - @Eurotalespod We are proud to be part of the Sports Social Podcast Network Eurotales Football Podcast – Sport Social Podcast Network (sport-social.co.uk) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There is plenty of underdog stories across the European football landscape so far this season, Aston Villa, Girona and Ipswich Town to name just a few but perhaps one that is not getting enough traction is the incredible story of Thiago Motta and Bologna. Last weekend they vanquished Jose Mourinho's Roma 2-0, a win which sees them solidify their position in fourth place. Their antics continued midweek producing another scintillating display of their new found power, Thiago Motta's side eliminated an all-conquering Inter outfit from the Coppa Italia to surge through to the Quarter Finals. Last year's Champions League's finalists could not resist the prowess of young Dutch Striker Zirkzee, sprung from the bench the youngster produced two inspired assists to oust the reigning Cup holders from the competition aft6er extra time. So, can Motta and his band of merry men start to dream of European qualification? And just how has this club and manager initiated their rise up the league to upset the Serie A apple cart? We welcome Serie A specialist Daniele Fisichella to explore this Bologna renaissance, follow Daniele on twitter/X @dfisi Follow Eurotales on twitter/x @Eurotalespod Subscribe to our free Ligue 1 Newsletter - The Ligue1 Essential | Liam Scahill | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some months ago, amid a tirade of spending fortunes in the transfer market akin to someone on Supermarket Sweep.BlueCo owners of Premier League club Chelsea procured a majority stake in French Ligue 1 club Strasbourg.The French club have smashed their transfer record since and hired a big-name manager in Patrick Vieira, but is all well at this historic French club since joining the Chelsea football pyramid?We caught up with French football expert James Evans (Twitter/X link - @Jevans6799) for the French perspective luckily for us James is also a Strasbourg fan.He wrote an article at the time when the news of the takeover broke which is referenced in the episode check it our here Feature | "Strasbourg isn't Chelsea" - the view from France - Get French Football News (getfootballnewsfrance.com) From displeased Ultras to what players at Strasbourg might cut it at Chelsea this episode is filled with information that is mana from heaven for us English speakers.Enjoy your festive season and follow us on twitter Euro Tales (@Eurotalespod) / X (twitter.com) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Eurotales football podcast, every club, league & fanbase has a story to tell and we aim to tell it. This week we explore the rise of Jobe Bellingham playing at Sunderland, the starlet is surrounded by fellow youngsters. The Black Cats have the youngest side in the Championship.At just 18 Jobe is playing week in and week out in a league where games come thick and fast.The rising talent is more than just the brother of a global superstar, he is starting to become a player in his own right. He has a sizeable shadow to emerge from given his brother's meteoric rise but at just 18 he has plenty time to emerge from his brother's shadows at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. We took advantage of Sunderland expert Stephen Goldsmith's (@GoldyWMS) time to get the lowdown on Jobe's development since his summer move from Birmingham City, Stephen is a regular feature on the excellent Wise Men Say Podcast. Enjoy Follow us on twitter - @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

OGC Nice are in sensational form at the top of Ligue 1, after 11 games the club from the south coast, on the banks of Mediterranean are one point ahead of behemoths of Paris, PSG. 16.5 hours of Ligue 1 football played under their new coach Italian coach Francesco Farioli and incredibly they have not been behind for a single minute of action thus far. Is this finally the coming of age for the INEOS project, has English billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, timed his Nice renaissance at the perfect time, to win any potential PR race when he rolls into Manchester Utd, his boyhood club? We welcome back our OGC Nice expert Roy Calley  (Twitter - @RoyCalley) a former BBC journalist of over 20 years, Nice are never far from Roy's mind having captured his loyalty when he moved to France. When last we spoke to Roy at the start of the season, Nice were ominously quiet in the transfer window and their then little-known Italian manager Farioli had just walked through the door. Fast forward to today and Nice built on defensive solidity and fortitude are proving to be a potent force again in French football.  In fact, they have the best defence in Europe's big five leagues conceding just 4 goals in their opening Ligue 1 games, the last team to score on Farioli's men was PSG way back on the 15th of September another team they beat on this remarkable run. Let's get the inside track on this Nice renaissance, enjoy.Follow us on twitter - @EurotalespodSubscribe to our free Ligue1 Newsletter - The Ligue1 Essential | Liam Scahill | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Eurotales Football PodcastThis week we place Serie A side Lecce under the microscope, they started the season with aplomb, their first five Serie A encounters saw them go unbeaten, three victories and two draws, saw fans of the club from the southern city dreaming of a possible European charge.Their last 5 games however have not been so dream worthy, three defeats and two draws has seen the side's dream start been eroded somewhat but don't forget they are youngest side in the division.  So can Lecce dream bigger than mere survival or was the first five games where they defeated Lazio-Salernitana & Genoa just a flash in the pan? We are joined by Italian football expert & journalist Siavoush Fallahi (Follow Siavoush on twitter @SiavoushF) to discuss the club where Roberto D'Aversa rescuer of Parma, is seeking to resurrect his managerial career after an ill-fated spell with Sampdoria. Follow Eurotales on twitter: @EurotalespodSubscribe to our Free Ligue 1 Newsletter: The Ligue1 Essential | Liam Scahill | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Eurotales football podcast, every club, league & fanbase has a story to tell and we aim to tell it. This week we are joined by Bundesliga expert Rune Gjerulff Petersen (Twitter - @runegjerulff) founder of premier German football website Bullinews.com There is a side causing quite the stir amongst the juggernauts of the Bundesliga, after eight games little old Stuttgart are sitting in second place, just one point behind the much-lauded Bayer Leverkusen under the stewardship of Xabi Alonso. To put this remarkable rise into perspective, Stuttgart only survived in the Bundesliga last season by the skin of their teeth via a relegation playoff. But today, those troubles seem so far away, as at the weekend their 3-0 demolition away to Union Berlin singled their sixth Bundesliga win on the trot. It is their best start in their history and one of the best starts to a season in the entire history of the Bundesliga. Rune takes on a deep dive highlighting the players behind this evolution and provides insight on a rookie manager in Sebastian Hoeneß who is turning heads after just afew months at the helm.  Follow us on twitter - @EurotalespodSubscribe to our free Ligue 1 Newsletter - A New Dawn for OGC Nice: From Summer Struggles to Top Ligue 1 Defence (substack.com) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

20-year-old attacker Louie Barry was once on the books of Barcelona, he became the first Englishman to play for the Spanish giant's famous academy La Masia during his time with the Catalans. For one so young he has been subject to much fanfare and headlines, he was famously dubbed ‘little Vardy' by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp after he announced himself to the world scoring on his Aston Villa senior debut in an FA Cup clash with Liverpool back in the covid times of January 2021. Since then, Barry has found his pathway to Villa's first team laden with expensive obstacles in an era of super money in the premier league. He has since embarked on a series of loan move in the English lower leagues in a bid to gain valuable experience for his development. Today, he finds himself in League Two with Stockport County on a season long loan and at the time of recording the prodigy has scored in his last 5 League Two games. So is Louie Barry finally on the pathway to living up to Jurgen Klopp's Vardy compliment over two years ago?We get the inside track from Russ Johnson from the brilliant award nominated Stockport County Podcast The Scarf Bergara Wore Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Eurotales football podcast, every club, league & fanbase has a story to tell and we aim to tell it. This week we are joined by European football expert Richard Pike to preview Matchday One in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. Chapter 1 - The Champions League - Newcastle Utd descend on the San Siro to take AC Milan following their 5-1 humbling at the hands of bitter Inter Milan over the weekend, will they lose the Sandro Tonali derby too? Can Manchester Utd get their redemption and lift their current malaise against Harry Kane's Bayern Munich?Are we sleeping on some Turkish delights after their busy transfer windows?  Chapter 2 – Europa League - Are Liverpool on a quest for another open top bus? Is this Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso's audition for the Real Madrid hotseat? Brighton look set to show the rest if Europe what the Premier League doubters have found out.  Chapter 3 - Europa Conference League -  Should Aston Villa be worried about AZ who beat Lazio home & away last year? Can Lille under astute Pablo Fonseca break the French Euro hoodoo? Meet the Faroe Island KÍ Klaksvík from a town with a population of 5000 people making history.  Follow Richard on twitter - @RichDPike89Subscribe To Richard's magnificent newsletter - Beyond The Big Five Newsletter  Follow us on twitter - @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Eurotales football podcast, every club, league & fanbase has a story to tell and we aim to tell it. This international week we are joined a very special guest, Luca Lagvilava from the quite brilliant Georgian Footy Twitter Page.    We discuss * The meteoric rise of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at Napoli* Georgia's march up the FIFA Rankings* The good side of the UFEA Nation's League * Domestic Football in Georgia and the domaniance of Dinamo Tbilisi * Unearthed gems primed to follow in the footsteps of Kvaratskhelia Follow us on twitter - @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Eurotales football podcast, every club, league & fanbase has a story to tell and we aim to tell it. This week we are joined by two very special guests.    Chapter 1 – Cambridge Utd Homegrown & On The Rise, three wins from the opening exchanges has seen the Us surprise more than a few in League One, Jake @Swindlehurst  from the brilliant Under The Abbey Stand  Podcast to discuss the metamorphous the playing squad is going through spearheaded by a former season ticket holder in manager in Mark Bonner.    Chapter 2 - Ligue 1 Under The Microscope with  @Jeremy_Magan from the Official Ligue 1 Podcast & Host of the French Football Podcast @FrFootballPod discusses the latest ongoings at Marseille, Lyon's fall from grace and provides an indepth analysis of the transfer window for Ligue 1 clubs . Follow us on twitter - @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the Eurotales Football Podcast, every club, league & fanbase has a story to tell and we aim to tell it. This week we are joined by two gifted guests.    Chapter 1 - Destination Ligue 1 with Baptiste Renauld  @LeClassiquePod from the Official Ligue 1 Podcast we take a look at the latest happenings in the League of Talents, Ligue One has exploded into life, Strasbourg under Chelsea ownership with Patrick Viera at the helm, how far can they go, Lens have procured a spectacular attacking weapon in Elye Wahi to replace Belgian Lois Openda, Lyon in disarray and Rennes look the business in the early running, we get the rundown from the brilliant Baptiste.  Chapter 2 – Wigan Athletics' Minus Eight Points Redemption with Charlie Keegan @charliekeegan from the fantastic Wigan Central Blog & Podcast takes us on a voyage, through a club that has suffered at the hands of dysfunctional ownership but is now rising like a phoenix in League One under the data driven tutelage of club favorite Shaun Maloney.  Charlie has intimate knowledge of the club he adores and runs an excellent blog & podcast (link here.)  Follow Us On Twitter - @EurotalespodFree Ligue One Essential Newsletter - The Ligue1 Essential | Liam Scahill | Substack  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Eurotales football podcast, every club, league & fanbase has a story to tell and we aim to tell it. This week we are joined by two very special guests.    Chapter 1 - A New Look AC Milan Infused With Data Scouting By The Same Owners As Ligue 1 Sensations Toulouse - @R_Kharman from the sensational Serie A Sitdown Show joins us to detail a busy transfer window for Milan. Off the pitch, club icon Paolo Maldin was ousted from his technical role whilst a host of American stars were purchased with others ahead of the big Serie A kickoff this weekend.  Chapter 2 – Tyler Adams Player In Focus With Euro Expert Zach Lowy - American midfield dynamo Adams a product of the Red Bull system was mooted to be on the verge of joining Chelsea but after afew days of transfer madness at Stamford Bridge the 24-year-old is now being linked with Bournamouth. We get an expert viewpoint on a player in high demand this summer from the Co-Founder of Breaking The Lines Zach Lowy Follow us on twitter - @EurotalespodSubscribe to our free Ligue 1 Newsletter - The Ligue1 Essential  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Eurotales Football Podcast, every club, league & fanbase has a story to tell and we aim to tell it. This week we are explore two clubs on contrasting journeys.  Chapter 1 - A Turbulent Summer For Wolves Could Get Worse Harry joins us from the excellent The Wolves 77 Club  to discuss all things Fosun and Lopetegui, where is Mr Vaseline Adama Traore gone, has the symbiotic relationship with super agent Jorge Mendes been beneficial, is Fabio Silva set to explode and more. Chapter 2 – Sheffield Wednesday's Exotic Revolution newly promoted and signing players from foreign lands, we get the lowdown on the Owl's current transfer business and what more shiny new toys might come through the door from the magnificent Joe Crann is there a potential new hero akin to Benito Carbone from the new foreign legion, could a premier league loan be completed before the window closes and what is the Xisco way?   Follow us on twitter - @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Eurotales football podcast, every club, league & fanbase has a story to tell and we aim to tell it. This week we are joined by three very special guests.    Chapter 1 - Deep Dive To Germany's Second Tier Bundesliga 2 -  We take deep dive into the biggest league you've not heard enough about Bundesliga2  with the terrific @MatthewKaragich from the magnificent  @2BundesligaPod the division has already kicked off, producing an avalanche of goals and attendances in excess of 50,000 in some quarters, players and managers to watch are all profiled through Matt's expert guise. Chapter 2 –  Port Vale Under The Microscope - The big League One kick is upon us, Vale have been busy this summer and have finally secured an elusive striker ahead of their opening game at Barnsley this weekend, we get the inside track from the man in the know Jonny from the brilliant Ale and the Vale podcast Follow us on twitter - @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Eurotales football podcast, every club, league & fanbase has a story to tell and we aim to tell it. This week we are joined by four very special guests.    Chapter 1 - The Ipswich Town Renaissance With @Benjaminbloom  from the barnstorming Benjamin Bloom Football Channel & @PowleyJacob  from the amazing Blue Monday Podcast guide us through the work of art that is under construction at Portman Road . Rev up your tractors there is something brewing in East Anglia, Ipswich Town are on the rise with an exciting young manager in Kiernan McKenna they smashed every stat off the board in League One last season, just how far can they go now in the Championship following promotion, we are graced with the divine knowledge of Benjamin Bloom, Benjamin runs the immortal and fantastic Benjamin Bloom Football Channel on Youtube with over 30k subscribers he is a mecca of footballing wisdom.  Our Ipswich exploration isn't finished there, we also are gifted with a soundbite from Jacob Powley from the powerful and insightful Blue Monday PodcastChapter 2 – Are Celta Vigo & Rafa Benitez The Surprise Package In La Liga This Season? Madrid based La Liga Expert @marksoc1 blesses this episode with his intimate knowledge of a club on the rise, Mark is the editor of the fantastic La Liga Expert website.  Chapter 3 - Are Derby County Set For A Rampage In League One? @JakeBarker1212 spoils us with his insights, Jake is from the terrific Rams Talk Podcast we get the inside track on the Rams for the rest of the transfer window ahead of the new season. Follow us on twitter - @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Eurotales football podcast, every club, league & fanbase has a story to tell and we aim to tell it. This week we are joined by three very special guests.    Chapter 1 - OGC Nice Are Ominously Quiet This Transfer Window we are joined by Nice season ticket holder and expert @RoyCalley.Roy worked as a BBC Journalist for 20 plus years travelling the globe but when his football curiosity took him to a Nice game he has been a season ticket holder ever since. What is going on at the club bankrolled by prospective Manchester United owner billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe? Chapter 2 - Stuttgart Spending Spree there is a German club currently buying every player on its' radar.Stuttgart narrowly avoided relegation last season and seem intent on not being in the mire again. German football virtuoso Jack gives from the excellent @50PlusDoner gives us the lowdown on Stuttgart's transfer shenanigans as they prepare for the new Bundesliga season. Check out the 50PlusDoner Twitch show here. Chapter 3 - Hand On Hearts They've Found A Gem In Calem Nieuwenhof A-League stars continue to be hovered up by Scottish football.The latest export from down under to make the voyage is exciting midfielder Calem Nieuwenhof, we are graced by A-League analyst and scout @PPetrov_FR there is no one who knows A-League prospects like this guy, Peter takes on a deep dive profiling Nieuwenhof and some other shinning lights primmed for a move to European Football.  Follow us on twitter - @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Eurotales football podcast, every club, league & fanbase has a story to tell and we aim to tell it. This week we are joined by three very special guests.    Chapter 1 - Rennes Are A Side Awash With Attacking Talent We are off to Ligue 1 in France to explore a side full of potential in Stade Rennais, we are joined by the  passionate & knowledgeable French football expert Bapististe Reynaud from the La Classique Pod, Bapististe also features on the official Ligue 1 podcast and Breaking the Lines.  Chapter 2 - We Explore The Wolfs Of The Bundesliga Through the expert eye of Adam Khan, Wolfsburg are one of those sides that when they hit their stride they are a formidable force they just missed out on Europe after a woeful start to last year's campaign, Adam is a German football consultant and Scout . Chapter 3 - Will Hull City Spread Turkish Delight To The Premier League We take a deep dive peruse at Hull City with the magnificent Nathaniel Whitenham from the excellent to Hull and Back Podcast. Hull City are now under Turkish ownership and come equipped with an exciting young manager in Liam Rosenior.  Follow us on twitter - @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Eurotales football podcast, every club, league & fanbase has a story to tell and we aim to tell it. This week we are joined by three very special guests.    Chapter 1 - The Saudi Effect On European Football with the magnificent @DougieCritchley from Sky Sports & Football Daily gives us his expert take. Chapter 2 - Luton Town Are Premier League we are joined by the boys from the immensely popular On When The Town Luton Podcast  to discuss what the Premier League new boys need this transfer window to be ready for the big kick off. Dave & Steve take us behind the scenes for a Luton deep dive.  Chapter 3 - Who Next From The J-League we embark on a scouting mission to the land of the rising sun, with J-League Scout @marugado from the astounding Youth Scouting Network to discover four young talents from J-League who are primmed and ready for a move to the Euro Leagues.  Follow us on twitter - @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Eurotales football podcast, every club, league & fanbase has a story to tell and we aim to tell it. This week we are joined by three very special guests.    Chapter 1 - Burnley are back amongst the Bigboys of the Premier League, We explore what is lowdown with Burnley 2.0 led by an exciting manager in Vincent Kompany. Tom Whittaker - @tomclaret joins us from the brilliant No Nay Never Burnley Podcast talking about the new reborn Burnley and their transfer window. Chapter 2 - We are joined by EFL Expert & Pundit Gabriel Sutton  @GabSutton from the EFL Debate & BBC Squadgoals.  Gabriel is the man in the know when it comes to the Blues, Birmingham City. After some challenging times for the club there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel via the welcome news of a takeover. Gabriel also give us his expert take on Lawrence Vigouroux an exciting goalkeeper from the lower league who Burnley are said to be signing.  Chapter 3 - To close the show our podcast is graced with the expertise of Fraser Spinney @FraserSpinney21 , Fraser is a vault of knowledge when it comes to Analytics and his beloved Southampton Fraser runs the Post and In.com a truly magnificent website that takes you on a deep dive through a host of footballing topics.  He also is the co-host of the Theres Only One Football Podcast, Fraser with his analytical and intimate knowledge of Southampton is going to profile what youngesters are going to emerge from Southampton next season.  Follow us on twitter - @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Eurotales Football Podcast, every club, league & fanbase has a story to tell and we aim to tell it. This week we are joined by three very special guests.    Chapter 1 - We Explore What Next For Monaco, with @LukeEntwistle from Get French Football News & the Official Ligue 1 Podcast, the French club finds itself at somewhat of a crossroads in what promises to be a busy summer.  Chapter 2 - The Rags To Riches Story Of Union Berlin, the Bundesliga club has gone from also-rans in the lowers divisions of Germany football, to Champions League qualification after securing a top 4 finish this season. Chapter 3 - Spurs-Ange-Australia A Love Triangle Like No Other, Spurs recently announced the appointment of Australian Ange Postecoglou as their manager, we touch base with two thrilled Australians Jake @chapschatcats & Chris, to get the lowdown on the former Socceroo manager, who is the first Australian to ever manage in the Premier League. Follow us on twitter - @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Eurotales football podcast, every club, league & fanbase has a story to tell and we aim to tell it.This week we are joined by three very special guests.   Chapter 1 - Life After Tudor for Marseille @Jeremy_Magan from the Official Ligue 1 Podcast & Host of Ligue 1 Podcast - Casser Les Lignes discusses the what next for the French giants after their managerial revolving door was once again called into action.Chapter 2 - Talent Spotting In Portugal @ZachLowy from Breaking The Lines, BBC & Talksport takes us on a voyage through one the most fruitful hotbeds of footballing talent Portugal's Primeira Liga, Zach profiles what talents may be set for a move a big move this transfer window. Chapter 3 - Monchi & Aston Villa @LoveMcGrathpod European football expert and host of popular Aston Villa Podcast For The Love Of Paul Mc Grath Neil Dunworth discusses the excitement and intrigue surrounding the proposed move of transfer guru Monchi from Sevilla to the Premier League with Aston Villa.Follow us on twitter - @Eurotalespod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices