Copa Independent

Episodes

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  This is Manchester Utd we're talking about! 29.10.2026 37m

  Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Richard Jolly and Kieran Jackson to discuss the continuing Manchester United turmoil after Bournemouth’s 3-0 win at Old Trafford and the decision to keep Michael Carrick in charge for their next game against Chelsea despite an eight-game winless run. With no clear succession plan, are the club just buying time ahead of a brutal run of fixtures and the international break?They debate realistic managerial options, recruitment, squad flaws and discuss whether a long-term rebuild akin to Arsenal’s is possible with the current hierarchy under Ratcliffe and INEOS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Shut the Ballon d'Or! Reaction as Harry Kane wins big in London 27.10.2026 24m

  Kieran Jackson is joined by Lawrence Ostlere after England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane pipped Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal to the most prestigious individual prize in world football on Monday night. After a delayed and drawn-out affair at the London Palladium, a stunned Kane picked up the ultimate accolade after an outstanding season. But was he the right winner in a fiercely close race? How was the night itself, both on-site and via streaming service DAZN? And what does Kane’s win mean for the award going forward? Kieran and Lawrence unpack it all… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Kane v Yamal – and is the Ballon d'Or just a PR contest? 20.10.2026 35m

  The Ballon d’Or has become increasingly political, with player branding, club lobbying and voting blocs all playing their part. But what should the award recognise? In the latest episode of Copa Independent, Lawrence Ostlere, Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly debate whether it should go to the best player or the most valuable over a 12-month period — and how much weight should be given to trophies, stats, influence, “magic” and the impact of World Cup years.The trio assess a wide-open field of contenders for the 2026 award, including Mbappé, Yamal, Kane, Rodri, Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé and Olise, before revealing their own top fives — and their differing picks for the winner. They round things off with a Ballon d’Or quiz. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Liverpool vs Manchester City felt like a freak show 11.10.2026 16m

  Lawrence Ostlere is joined from Anfield by Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly immediately after Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Liverpool in a match overshadowed by the recent guilty verdict and ongoing appeal, creating a sense of uncertainty and “freakish” unreality around the match, and the Premier League. They discuss the atmosphere at Anfield—frustration more than fury—alongside City fans’ defiant chants, retro shirts and inflatable bananas, and debate how much the result can mean for a season distorted by pending sanctions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Premier League is back – but will it ever be the same after City's guilty verdict? 07.10.2026 41m

  Are Liverpool about to see the real Alexander Isaak? How long can Carrick last at Man Utd? These questions seem a touch mundane after what we've been through in the last two weeks but the Premier League is back! Even though it may never be the same.... Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Miguel Delaney and Jack Rathborn to preview Liverpool v Man City at Anfield in the first weekend of Premier League football after the Man City verdict, discussing the likely hostile atmosphere, City fans’ defiance, and what it means for the Premier League this season and beyond. They examine how City players and Enzo Maresca might respond — siege mentality versus collapse — plus the broader consequences for legacies, records, and the now distorted view of recent Premier League history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The great Man City sham 29.09.2026 19m

  Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Miguel Delaney for another impromptu episode of Copa Independent to react hours after an independent commission’s verdict on Manchester City was released, which finds the club guilty of almost all Premier League charges and arranging “sham” sponsorships to inflate revenue by more than £830m over nine years, misstating accounts, concealing finances from auditors and regulators, and repeatedly breaching cooperation duties. Will the Premier League ever be the same again? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Could this be the end of Man City as we know them? 26.09.2026 22m

  In an impromptu episode of Copa Independent, Lawrence Ostlere and Miguel Delaney react to the news that Manchester City are to be found guilty of almost all Premier League charges stemming from the 2018 football leaks revelations.With the process ongoing and city reiterating their innocence, the pair examine what will come next: a lengthy commission report, a separate sanctions hearing, immediate penalties such as heavy fines and a points deduction that could mean relegation or even expulsion from the competition altogether, and the likelihood of a City appeal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The United permacrisis - should it be this difficult? 23.09.2026 51m

  Permacrisis: a long period of great difficulty, confusion or suffering that seems to have no end.Lawrence Ostlere, Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly assess Manchester United’s bleak start to the season after a 1-1 draw at Fulham, leaving them on five points from five games. Is Michael Carrick is better at one-off game plans than building a coherent long-term attacking structure? Despite some positive underlying stats, they discuss United’s heavy reliance on Bruno Fernandes, slow substitutions, and several atrocious performances. They also discuss the recruitment under INEOS, expensive signings such as Ugarte, Zirkzee and Andrey Santos, an aging squad and the lack of a consistent club ideology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Has the VAR debate become bigger than football itself? 16.09.2026 41m

  After Erling Haaland’s controversial winner in the Manchester derby and the inevitable fallout, Kieran Jackson is joined by Miguel Delaney and Jack Rathborn to dissect, eight years on from its rollout at the top level, whether VAR is actually effective in the Premier League. Have ‘refereeing standards’ actually dropped – or just changed? What have we taken from Spain and Italy? And how has the media discussion surrounding officials, with more shows, experts and social media clips than ever before, evolved in recent years? All this and more on this week’s episode of Copa Independent – leave a comment and let us know what you think! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Why the Premier League's financial might still can't bully Europe's giants in the Champions League 08.09.2026 47m

  As the Champions League begins once again, Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly on the latest episode of Copa Independent to debate the reduced jeopardy in the league phase, the value of finishing in the top eight, and how the format can benefit smaller clubs while packing the calendar. They discuss quirks of the draw and standout fixtures including Manchester City vs PSG, Atlético Madrid vs Manchester United, and José Mourinho facing former clubs, plus interest in Cesc Fàbregas’ Como. The panel then explores why Premier League spending hasn’t translated into European dominance, citing domestic competitiveness, fatigue, turnover and coaching context. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The hard truth behind a CHAOTIC transfer deadline day 02.09.2026 50m

  So, be honest: could you keep up to speed with all the ins and outs in the end? Kieran Jackson is joined by Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly this week to unpick the frenetic final few hours of the transfer window, as Premier League clubs spent a record £3.48billion over the course of the summer. Manchester City finally got their man in Enzo Fernandez – but is he really worth it? Will Chelsea and Everton regret failing to get signings over the line at the eleventh hour? And, with more money and players exchanging hands than ever before, is the Premier League transfer window at breaking point? All this and more on the latest episode of Copa Independent! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Transfer window special: £100m dominoes, Villa’s woes and the incoming deadline day frenzy 27.08.2026 48m

  The transfer window has been more frenzied than ever this summer, with wild £100m sums being exchanged between Premier League clubs. Who distorted the market, and are clubs over-paying for new recruits?Aston Villa and Newcastle have sold several key players this summer – are the Premier League’s new squad cost ratio (SCR) rules to blame? And with only a few days to go until the deadline, which deals will get done before the window closes?Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly join Lawrence Ostlere to discuss all this and more in this week’s edition of Copa Independent, the Independent’s weekly football podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Premier League’s new era 19.08.2026 52m

  In the first episode of the new series, Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly to preview the new Premier League season asking if the league is entering a post-Guardiola, post-Salah era defined by managerial churn, fewer global superstars, and greater uncertainty. They discuss Manchester City’s transition under Enzo Maresca amid midfield concerns and Rodri’s possible Barcelona move, Liverpool’s unfinished rebuild under Andoni Iraola without a clear Salah replacement, and Manchester United’s issues under Michael Carrick with a thin midfield and a heavier schedule. Arsenal are framed as the main known quantity and title favourites, with debate over Arteta’s intensity, attacking evolution, and recruitment. They assess Chelsea under Xabi Alonso, Tottenham under Roberto De Zerbi, the impact of no European football for some clubs, relegation candidates, and give top-five and relegation predictions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Doing it their way: lessons from the final curtain in New York 20.07.2026 40m

  In the final episode of Copa Independent, Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly reflect on Spain winning a second World Cup and argue the best team won both the final and the tournament, with Ferran Torres’ extra-time winner highlighting Spain’s depth and collective style under Luis De la Fuente. They lament Argentina’s negative, ill-disciplined performance which lacked any shot on goal until the 117th minute, a red card for Enzo Fernandez and post-match flare-ups—calling it a frustrating final, and a sad possible last World Cup game for Lionel Messi. The pair also assess the tournament as good rather than great, discuss England’s missed opportunity under Tuchel and the value of federation-rooted coaches, and condemn chaotic World Cup organisation in the US, including Secret Service delays linked to Donald Trump, celebrity-centric presentation, and a halftime show no-one asked for. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Spain or Argentina? Yamal or Messi? BIG World Cup final preview 18.07.2026 42m

  And so to the 104th and final match. It’s the top two in the world rankings, the European and South American champions and the first World Cup match between Spain and Argentina for 60 years. Not bad, right? Kieran Jackson is joined by Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly in New Jersey to preview Sunday’s World Cup final. How will Argentina set up in opposition to Spain’s possession-based philosophy? In what areas are both teams vulnerable? And who will come out on top as Lamine Yamal, heir to the throne, plays in his first World Cup final against Lionel Messi, chasing his second triumph? We make our predictions. Plus, we discuss the pros and cons (mainly cons) to the World Cup bronze final between France and England, with Kylian Mbappe’s potential golden boot stat-padding a central theme. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  England are out - the same story but at a greater expense? 16.07.2026 26m

  Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Richard Jolly in New Jersey and Miguel Delaney in Atlanta to react to England’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina.They argue England retreated too early after going 1-0 up, with Thomas Tuchel’s shift to a back five and the defensive substitution of Ezri Konsa for Anthony Gordon ceding midfield control and inviting pressure. Did Tuchel lose his bottle? And did his changes give Lionel Messi the time and space he needed to kill off England’s World Cup ambitions?The panel debates England’s recurring inability to manage leads, Tuchel’s squad choices and midfield options, whether he has lived up to expectations given his reported salary, and the potential fallout for Tuchel and the FA ahead of Euro 2028. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How Spain dismantled France – plus our England v Argentina predictions 15.07.2026 47m

  Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Miguel Delaney and Kieran Jackson to discuss Spain’s stunning win over France. Should Didier Deschamps have started with three in midfield? Why did France’s stars play so poorly? And can anyone stop Spain winning a second World Cup?Plus, Miguel is in Atlanta to watch England take on Argentina in a mouth-watering showdown between two World Cup heavyweights. How will the emotive history between the two countries affect the game? Will Thomas Tuchel make changes to his starting XI? And what do England do about Lionel Messi? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The best World Cup semi-finals…..ever? 13.07.2026 46m

  On the latest episode of COPA Independent, Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Miguel Delaney in Atlanta and Kieran Jackson to preview the World Cup semi-finals: England v Argentina and Spain v France, a last four featuring the top four ranked teams and four previous winners.England’s win over Norway is assessed through the Miami heat, Jude Bellingham’s form and Golden Boot push, Harry Kane’s fatigue, Declan Rice’s fitness, Tuchel’s substitutions, and the Tuchel–Bellingham media flashpoint.They also explore the deep history and political context of England–Argentina, Messi facing England for the first time, and the tactical contrast of Spain’s positional play against France’s attacking freedom, plus how rest days and VAR could shape the run-in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Can anyone stop France? Plus our bold England vs Norway predictions 10.07.2026 31m

  Lawrence Ostler is joined by Miguel Delaney, Richard Jolly and Kieran Jackson to react to France’s 2-0 win over Morocco, with Kylian Mbappé central again to an imperious performance. After looking ahead to Friday's quarter final of Spain vs Belgium, they preview England v Norway in the Miami heat and humidity, debating Tuchel’s selection—especially John Stones and Reece James—how to limit Erling Haaland, and whether England could realistically hope to beat France or Spain in a final should they get that far, before giving score predictions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Why England’s Mexico triumph is one of their best-ever World Cup wins 06.07.2026 29m

  In the cauldron of the Azteca Stadium, England got it done. The Three Lions are through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup after a thrilling 3-2 win over Mexico. Against all the odds – altitude, the fans, Mexican momentum, VAR calls – Thomas Tuchel’s side overcame it all to progress to the next stage. And once again, it was the Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane double act. Kieran Jackson and Miguel Delaney dial in from Mexico City to discuss the magnitude of England’s win, Tuchel’s spot-on tactical calls in the second-half and what it means moving forward to Norway in the last eight. We also discuss Folarin Balogun’s ban being “suspended” by Fifa and Erling Haaland’s brilliant double, which sent Brazil home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.