Who keeps four turtles in their fridge? And who is the two-metre Messi? John Bennett is joined by Julien Laurens, Rafa Honigstein and Mina Rzouki for some interesting chat about European football and so much more. The team discuss a novel approach to match coverage in French broadcasting. Have Germany unearthed a new number nine? Do Italy have an identity under Luciano Spaletti? And have France filled the gap left by the retirement of Antoine Griezmann? Plus – were Juventus right to sack Thiago Motta? And how furious are Bayern Munich after a serious injury suffered by Alphonso Davies playing for Canada.
TIMECODES: 0 mins: Intro 1.06: The reaction in Germany to Thomas Tuchel’s start as England manager 4.09: Live coverage of the 12th tier of French football 8.33: Germany’s search for a number nine – featuring Tim Kleindienst (who keeps turtles) and Nick Woltemade (who is very tall). 16.24: Have the Italian team got an identity? 19.54: Why can Italy no longer produce world-class players? 22.20: Can Michael Olise fill the gap left by the retirement of Antoine Griezmann? 26.39: What role is there for Rayan Cherki in the France squad? 29: How big a blow for Bayern is the injury suffered by Alphonso Davies? 33.55: Were Juventus right to sack Thiago Motta? And what about Igor Tudor?
Football commentaries this week: Thursday 27th March WOMENS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Chelsea v Manchester City 2000 KO - Jonathan Pearce and Gilly Flaherty.
Saturday 29th March FA CUP: Fulham v Crystal Palace 1215 KO - Conor McNamara and Mark Schwarzer. SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP: Celtic v Hearts 1500 KO - Ian Dennis and Pat Nevin. FA CUP: Brighton v Nottingham Forest 1715 KO - Chris Wise. Sunday 30th March FA CUP: Preston North End v Aston Villa 1330 KO - John Murray and Leon Osman. WOMENS SUPER LEAGUE: Chelsea v West Ham 1630 KO - LIVE ON SPORTS EXTRA