Managing Madrid Podcast

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Om Arvind discuss: - Real Madrid's 3 - 1 win over Barcelona in the 2014 - 2015 season - How the 4-4-2 functioned that day - Neymar's opening goal - How Carlo Ancelotti had the team positioned in attack and defence, and his half-time adjustments - The margin of error: Messi's crazy miss changed the outcome of the game completely - Carlo's subs - Carvajal and Marcelo at the top of their game - Fede Valverde's sudden emergence after a disappointing loan spell at Deportivo la Coruña - Individual mistakes, this season and in years' past - Luka Jovic's playing time, and Karim Benzema's minutes - How much should we push for Paul Pogba? - And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Om Arvind discuss: - Dani Carvajal as left back - The roles of the wing-backs - Gareth Bale's unreal OOTB pass - Granada knocked off their game after the early goal - Finally getting diverse scoring output outside of Benzema - Eden Hazard's performance - What James brings to the team offensively - Fede Valverde's performance - What's Fede's best role? - Should Bale have had a penalty? - Real Madrid's build-up - Isco's return - And more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast is in two parts: Part One (Kiyan Sobhani, Lucas Navarrette): - Home pressure - How the Bernabeu reacts to what it sees on the pitch - Why Zinedine Zidane 'persists' with Lucas Vazquez - Luka Jovic minutes - The importance of that point against Brugge - Eden Hazard's slow start - Revisiting Clarence Seedorf as a Real Madrid player - And more Part Two (Kiyan Sobhani, Philip Hammer): - How we're feeling after a rollercoaster of a month - How Philip became Madridista - The summer of 2000 - Best memory from the past 20 years - The 2011 Clasico brawl - Is the Ramos Decima header the single greatest moment in club history? - And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It has been a few weeks since our first FC Tacón show, and things have started off in a complicated way. With a tough loss to FC Barcelona, the team looked lost. But with a comeback win, and with some new signings, things are not lost. So where do we go from here? Jess Houwen and Gabe Lezra are here to break down parts of the big storylines from Tacón's inaugural primera season--and why things might not be as bleak as the seam. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Ben Hayward discuss: - The 'boring' derby which wasn't boring at all if you take a look at all the storylines - Real Madrid's defense - The lack of chances for both sides - Zidane and Simeone's post-game quotes - Should Hazard be in better shape? - Toni Kroos's performance - Fede Valverde starting over James - The perhaps surprising xG numbers - And more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Matt Wiltse discuss: - The Sergio Ramos effect - Why did this midfield perform better than against PSG? - What the team did well defensively - The team's pressing - Eden Hazard's performance - Zinedine Zidane's tactics - What we can and can't criticize zidane for - His big game performances - Casemiro's performance - Ferland Mendy's performance - James Rodriguez's performance - Karim Benzema's performance - Who to rest against Osasuna before the Atleti game? - Toni Kroos's 'intensity' - What happens when Luka Modric, Isco, and Marcelo come back? - CLEAN SHEET! - And more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Eduardo Alvarez discuss: - All the individual mistakes in the game, but also the systemic issues that fed it - Does a change in personnel today actually change things? - Lack of answers for PSG's solid defensive scheme and incisive offense - The clear lack of depth in midfield - James Rodriguez's role - Guti planting seeds - What could've been done differently? - Toni Kroos's effort on defense - The Dani Carvajal problem - Imposing your tactics vs being reactive to your opponent - Some...... Positives... ? - Thibaut Courtois / Keylor Navas discussion - Best places in Madrid to watch the game if you're not going to the stadium - And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Matt Wiltse discuss: - The insane coverage Managing Madrid is doing right now - The contrasting halves of football against Levante - Zidane's subs - Formations we saw throughout - The outcry about the starting line-up - Everyone's roles, and standout performers - Carvajal and Casemiro as the engines in the first half - Upcoming schedule - An entire James Rodriguez swoon segment - Our lineup against PSG - The healthy competition (in certain positions) in the squad right now - Vinicius Jr's performance - Eden Hazard's performance - Lucas Vazquez's sample size as a right-back - And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast is in two parts. Part One, 1960 European Cup Final (Kiyan Sobhani, Om Arvind, Matt Wiltse): - The significance of the broadcast that night. The world finally saw the greatness of Real Madrid - Alex Ferguson's comments about the game, as he was in attendance - Formations in the final - Di Stefano's role -- false 9 before it was cool - An entire Di Stefano segment about his greatness - Gento's legacy - This team was perfect - Miguel Munoz's man-management, and also being ahead of his time with his tactics - Will Di Stefano's role ever exist again? - Ferenc Puskas shooting on site - Canario tribute - Epic Puskas quote - And more Part Two, Mailbag (Kiyan Sobhani, Lucas Navarette) - Marcelo vs Mendy - How much fault does the medical staff have? - Florentino and Raiola relationship - Which young talents would we like to sign? - Have our predictions changed at all? - Lineups against Levante and PSG - A question about taking cards (you'll understand when you listen) - And more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Managing Madrid Podcast comes in two parts. Part one, on the Champions League final against Valencia in 2000 (Kiyan Sobhani, Eduardo Alvarez, Matt Wiltse) - Link to watch the game - The atmosphere in Paris for the Champions League final - The context of that game - Claudio Lopez: Barca killer - A bonkers lineup and formation from Del Bosque - Tactical wrinkles of that chaotic system - Roberto Carlos was an absolute freak that Valencia had no answer for - Raul and Macca as central midfielders - Macca's performance - The first goal of the game, and Roberto Carlos's long-range free kick - The TEKA shirt -- controversial, apparently - Symbolic cameos from Manolo Sanchis and Fernando Hierro - Baby Casillas - Nicolas Anelka's weird legacy - Ivan Helguera's massive performance, and how underrated he was in his peak - Ivan Campo - Fernando Redondo masterclass - And more Part two, mailbag (Kiyan Sobhani, Lucas Navarette) - Injury updates - Revisiting Ramos's mistake against Villarreal - Potential lineup against Levante - Can we relax? Or do we have good reason to be worried? - Why do we loan players to teams that don't play them? - Keylor Navas's legacy - If the midfield trio done? - The unfair criticism Varane gets - The art of giving out the right contracts without overpaying older players - And more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Om Arvind discuss: - The infinite BeIn ads - Zidane and Casemiro's post-game quotes - What the xG told us - The team's tactics, and crossing game-plan - Casemiro's role - Gareth Bale's performance - The variety of schemes we've already seen in the opening three games - Toni Kroos's role and performance - Ferland Mendy's perforamnce - Which loanees we could've used in the squad - Zidane's tactics compared to that of other elite managers - And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Lucas Navarette discuss: - Bruno Fernandes - Isco's injury - Real Madrid's midfield depth - How we'd like the team to lineup - Not closing out games - Casemiro's legacy in the club's history, and his ranking among the club's best ever DMs - The Benzema / Jovic debate - Neymar's off-field issues - Would we take Jose Mourinho back> - The Bernabeu crowd, and how much it really affects players - 4-2-3-1 - And more Did you enjoy this Podcast? Please consider supporting us on Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Gabe Lezra discuss: - Real Madrid's first half, and the standouts among the team - Schematic changes, and the dominoes of Zidane's formation shift in the second half - What happened when James and Isco left the pitch - The case for Jovic coming in much earlier - Vinicius Jr's performance - Breaking down Valladolid's goal - Real Madrid's xG - The Carvajal criticism - More Jovic talk, and why the team needs a goalscoring presence like him on the pitch - An assessment of James Rodriguez - How to achieve peak Zidane-ball - And more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast comes in two parts. Part One (Kiyan Sobhani, Eduardo Alvarez) - Real Madrid 5 - 0 Barcelona, 1995. Link to watch the game. - The context and build-up (stemming for three years) to the game - Four players who played for both teams appeared that night - Barcelona's offense completely shrivelling. They were paralyzed. - The decline of Johan Cruyff's dream - Laudrup, absolute patridazo - Jorge Valdano's pressing scheme - An assessment of Raul's first season - The frenetic pace of the game - The Hierro - Sanchis dyad - Luis Milla vs Fernando Redondo (a huge discussion at the time) - Amavisva! - Bam Bam! A monster game and season from Ivan Zamorano - The fans' reaction to Stoichkov's red card just before half time. - Martin Vazquez's role - The importance of an attacker's ability to defend - The Bernabeu's demands, but also their appreciation - Sergio Busquets's dad was a terrible goalkeeper - And more. Part Two (Kiyan Sobhani, Lucas Navarette) - Takefusa Kubo's loan move to Mallorca - The latest Keylor Navas update - Who would Courtois's backup be? - How true is the report of Real Madrid's mega offer to PSG? - Fabrica XI from the past 30 years - Javier Portillo - Martin Odegaard / Guti player comp - Odegaard vs Kubo this weekend - An evaluation of Lassana Diarra's Real Madrid career - Will we see Xabi Alonso manage Real Madrid? - Raul's ability as a coach - System-specific players - And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Om Arvind discuss: - Thoughts on the starting XI - Modric's red card somehow being the turning point - Celta Vigo were right there until the Kroos golazo - The brilliance of all three Real Madrid goals - The tactics throughout the game - Gareth Bale's performance - Vinicius Jr's performance - Van de Beek update + the final Real Madrid squad - Will we see James and Isco together? - Any lowkey DMs on the market? - Predictions: MVP, top goalscorer, most assists, unsung heroes, trophies - Lack of a tactical identity: A strength or a weakness? - And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Ben Hayward discuss: - The Neymar saga, thoroughly - What was it about PSG that Neymar wants to leave now? - How much do Barcelona need Neymar? - How does having all four of Griezmann, Neymar, Suarez, and Messi affect Barcelona's tactics? - Comparing them to the Galacticos - How does that theoretical Barcelona team fare against Europe's elite? - How badly is Neymar needed at Real Madrid? - How would Rodrygo and Vinicius cope with taking a backseat to Neymar? - How realistic is Real Madrid as a landing spot - Florentino's drive to sign Neymar - And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Om Arvind discuss: - Another assessment of the 3-5-2 - How much will we see it this season? - Should Jesus Vallejo been kept? - An alternate explanation of Zidane's use of this formation - Concerns abotu Real Madrid's offense - The team's brilliance but lack of consistency - The performances of the substitutes - Kiyan and Om's altering views on whether Neymar is needed or not -- a back and forth - And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Matt Wiltse discuss: - The 3-5-2 - Marcelo the big winner of this formation - Thoughts on the Benzema - Isco - Hazard trio - Eder Militao's performance - What happened in the second half? What changed? - Fede Valverde's performance - How often will we see the 3-5-2 - Takefusa Kubo to Valladolid - Neymar rumours: The reported deal, would we take him? Why or why not? - Pros and cons of going to the USA or Asia for preseason - Which three unattainable players would we sign? - Isco's performance against Salzburg - And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Matt Wiltse discuss: - Our thoughts on the win over Fenerbahce - The disorganized press - Defense on the flanks - Mariano Diaz's cameo - Donny Van de Beek: How does he fit? Does his signing affect the pursuit of Paul Pogba? How does this affect Isco? Does he start? - Upside: Brahim Diaz vs Marco Asensio - Barcelona kicking themselves over Takefuso Kubo - How much does Casemiro's return actually solve? - Can Eden Hazard become a leader? - And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jess Houwen and Emilee Woods join Gabe Lezra to discuss the origins and backstory of the team that will become Real Madrid CF, and what the future holds. So, who is Tacón? And why are they the team Real Madrid chose? And what's going on with all of this? Let's look back and enjoy a fantastic World Cup this summer, which has kickstarted European women's game. But let's to the future and talk about everything we've seen up until now--and who Florentino might bring in as his first Galácticas. So, from Jess, Gabe and Emilee--enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast was recorded in New York City, in front of a live audience at the Playwright Irish Pub. We discussed what it was like to be at the 7 - 3 loss at Metlife, what's happening with James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale, Zinedine Zidane's connection with certain players, how to 'solve' some of the team's problems, and so much more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Link to purchase tickets to our live podcast in New York This episode if brought to you by Hotel Riu New York Times Square This episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast comes in two parts. Part one (Kiyan Sobhani, David Amoyal) - Napoli's stance on James Rodriguez - How much has Cristiano Ronaldo moved the needle for Juventus? - How does Maurizio Sarri change things for Juve? - The nightmare that is FedEX field, and Marco Asensio's injury - Why the Icardi / Wanda / Napoli trifecta makes sense Part two (Kiyan Sobhani, Jeremy Beren) - What Diego Simeone has experimented with so far in the preseason - How Kieran Trippier and Joao Felix have looked - Marcos Llorente's red card - What should we expect to see on Friday? - Does Real reconsider moving James now that Asensio is injured? - The insane ongoing Griezmann saga Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Link to buy tickets to our live podcast in New York This episode is brought to you by Hotel Riu New York Times Square On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Travis King discuss: - Arsenal vs Real Madrid in 2007 - Where does Dani Ceballos fit at Arsenal? - What to expect from Arsenal in tonight's preseason match - Ozil's first game against Real Madrid since his departure - And more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Link to purchase tickets to our live Managing Madrid Podcast in New York on July 28th On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani, Om Arvind, and Gabe Lezra discuss: - The pros and cons of both the first and second half lineups against Bayern Munich - The struggles of the young line-up in the second half - Performances of several players, including: Takefusa Kubo and Eden Hazard - The Zinedine Zidane bomb: His post-game quote about the club looking to sell Bale quickly - Key points from the quote, and the underlying message - His overall relationship with Gareth Bale - Jonathan Barnett burning bridges - The perspectives of both Zidane and Bale respectively - Minute distribution of Vinicius Jr, Isco, and Marco Asensio next season - Alberto Soro - Which players will be at the club long term? - Why does everyone want Fede Valverde as the team's back-up DM? - A discussion on Gareth Bale as a #9 - And more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Link to purchase tickets to tickets to our live podcast in New York City. This episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast is brought to you by Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square. Kiyan Sobhani and Eduardo Alvarez discuss: - Luka Doncic's leadership qualities, and his development in the NBA - What's the ceiling of Real Madrid's basketball team? Will it ever be on NBA level? - How the football team can learn from the basketball team in terms of domestic consistency - Why you should absolutely watch the basketball team - The level of character Pablo Laso strives to recruit - Why isn't there a market for James Rodriguez? - Is he a better option than Christian Eriksen? - Just how heated is the Real - Atletico rivalry? - Would we let our children play for Atletico? - Eduardo's favourite Real Madrid players of all time - Martin Vazquez - The passing of the torch from Emilio Butragueño to Raul Gonzalez - What;s the plan for the post-Florentino Perez era? Who will replace him? - And more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florentino is in Canada! To talk to....everyone he wants out? Can that really be true? And is that #actually the right play here, given the professional concerns? Gabe Lezra and Om Arvind are here to break this down--and to sip all the other Real Madrid transfer tea. Some of that good #gos discussed: - James to Atleti? What? - Ceballos to Milan and Fede as the main midfield backup? - Greizmann to Barcelona is somehow still funny as hell - Did Kovacic just love it at Chelsea? - Lots of suitors for Pogba - Is Qatar backing out of sports because, essentially, none of its moves are helping their actual country? - Hazard doesn't want number 7, but he does want..... 23? Is that cool, though? We do stan Becks in this house.... Want more of this? Toss us a few bucks on Patreon--you'll get access to bonus content, and numerous other rewards! Managing Madrid is a hub for all Madridistas with updated news, op-eds, tactical analyses, artwork, and of course, podcasts. It also serves as a means for Real Madrid fans to connect and discuss the team. We would like your support so that we can continue to produce podcasts for you. The site is run by a small team that works tirelessly around the clock to make it into what it is today. Your contributions will allow us to continue to have a real and full-time presence in keeping this website, and it’s podcasts, going. Hosts this week: Gabe Lezra Om Arvind (@OmVArvind) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Purchase tickets for our live podcast in New York here. On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Euan McTear discuss: - Atletico Madrid's off-season - Eder Militao's presentation, and what it was like being there for his presser - Should Florentino go for Neymar? - What does Real Madrid's starting XI look like next season if Paul Pogba arrives? - How do you trim this squad down before the season starts? - What would happen if Luka Modric and Toni Kroos switched sides? - And more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ChurrosyTacticas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Matt Wiltse discuss: - Our excitement for pre-season - Transfers in and out of central midfield, and the depth chart next season - What happens to Isco - Best Martin Odegaard destination - Would we see more galacticos if the market wasn't inflated - Milinkovic-Savic's regression, and a discussion on small sample sizes when investing on players - Is Kylian Mbappe attainable right now? - How safe is Zinedine Zidane if things go south next season? - How can we be more consistent in La Liga? - How important will Sergio Ramos be next season? - Historical segment: Real Madrid vs Valencia in the 2008 SuperCopa - Robinho out the door after the game - Valencia, on paper, were ridiculous - Guti with a stinker - The center back situation - Gabriel Heinze locking down David Villa - Miguel Torres, allergic to attacking - Royston Drenthe's career nose-diving - Arjen Robben masterclass, and the what-ifs had he stayed for the Cristiano Ronaldo era - A tribute to Ruben de la Red - The nightmare of the Lassana Diarra - Gago double pivot - Sergio Ramos as a right-back - Gonzalo Higuain's breakout year - And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gabe Lezra and Jess Houwen talk Real Madrid's new women's side and recap the USWNT's thrilling 2-1 victory over France. Some of the topics included: --Real Madrid comparisons to players on the various teams--The United States' decision to cede possession to France--France's domination of the ball and its tactical issues--Rapinoe's set pieces and Ellis's tactical masterclass--Real Madrid targets in the match--How to build a Real Madrid women's superteam--and where to start--Dunn-Diani matchup and defending via catastrophe Managing Madrid is a hub for all Madridistas with updated news, op-eds, tactical analyses, artwork, and of course, podcasts. It also serves as a means for Real Madrid fans to connect and discuss the team. We would like your support so that we can continue to produce podcasts for you. The site is run by a small team that works tirelessly around the clock to make it into what it is today. Your contributions will allow us to continue to have a real and full-time presence in keeping this website, and it’s podcasts, going. Hosts this week: Gabe Lezra Jess Houwen (@jesshuh15) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Andres Cordero discuss: - How much does 'character' matter when signing players - Parallels between Ronaldinho and Neymar - Isco's future - Does Real Madrid actually need another midfielder, or should they just keep Dani Ceballos and / or James Rodriguez? - And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This mailbag edition of the Managing Madrid Podcast comes in two parts. Part 1 (Kiyan Sobhani, Ryan O'Hanlan) - Fernando Torres's retirement - Metrics to measure positional performance, and what space a player should in on the pitch when his team has the ball - How xP is calculated - How Real Madrid underperformed their xP last season - How much does Zinedine Zidane's three-peat give him a pass? - Is Paul Pogba's attitude really a significant distraction? - What does he bring to the table on the pitch? - Jan Oblak freak stats that make him undeniably the best goalkeeper in the world - The importance of a ball-playing GK - What this season peak-Messi? - And more Part 2 (Kiyan Sobhani, Matt Wiltse, Gabe Lezra) - How far away are we from baseball analytics? - How much would our La Liga form change over the past few years if we consistently had a second striker? - More lingering Marcos Llorente questions - Will other players follow Llorente's path? - Raul as Castilla manager - Comparing the season to the 2015 / 2016 season - And more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast comes in two parts. Part 1 (Kiyan Sobhani, Jonathan Johnson): - Zinedine Zidane's effort on signing Ferland Mendy - Mendy being a late-bloomer - How he does in big games - The latest with Tanguy Ndombele - Nasser Al Khelaifi, controversial quotes - Paul Pogba update - And more. Part 2 (Kiyan Sobhani, Matt Wiltse, on Real Madrid vs Manchester United in 2003) - How dominant Real Madrid were against Manchester United in the first leg - The context of the tie, and the near-elimination against Dortmund prior - How tactics and intensity have changed since then - How old Fernando Hierro performed - Luis Figo's goal - Raul's instinct. Breaking down both of his goals - The non-calls on Zidane, Ronaldo, and Guti - Ronaldo's performance - The presence of Roberto Carlos - Roberto Carlos vs Marcelo - Zidane's smoothness -- is there any footballer as aesthetically-pleasing since him? - Michel Salgado's performance - The famous Luis Figo death stare - And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Matt Wiltse discuss: - The 2005 - 2006 season - How Real Madrid lost the first leg against Real Zaragoza in the Copa del Rey 6 - 1. - Why the team's situation was worse then than it is now - The post-peak Galactico's - David Beckham's unparalleled crossing - An assessment of Robinho - Zinedine Zidane on his last legs - Signings in the summer of '06 - Robinho's debut vs Cadiz - Jonathan Woodgate's legacy - All the defensive midfielders signed after Claude Makelele was sold - And a ton more from this game and season Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Managing Madrid Podcast comes in two parts. Part One (Kay Murray, Kiyan Sobhani) - Some of Real Madrid's dark years before 2010 - Fabio Cannavaro's goodbye - Ramon Calderon's resignation - David Beckham kisses - Skipping training and missing a Roberto Carlos injury - The Riazor curse - Marcelo as a teenager - Kay's nightmare visit to the Benito Villamarin - David Beckham sold, but recalled - Beckham's legacy - Tamudazo - Iker Casillas kicking balls at Kay - Real Madrid vs Espanyol, May 12 2007 - Ruud Van Nistlerooy holding up Gonzalo Higuain's jersey - And more Part Two (Ray Hudson, Kiyan Sobhani) - Ray's polarizing commentary - Iconic commentary moments - Ronaldinho's bicycle against Villarreal - Iker Casillas's passion - What are the Real Madrid changes this summer? - Should Zinedine Zidane have total control? - Toni Kroos extension - Comparing the transfer strategies of Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City - Rewinding the mood to September - The unpredictability of football - And more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Euan McTear discuss: - The exodus at Atletico Madrid - The atmosphere at the Bernabeu since March - Contract renewals for Real's core - First signings, and the status of Eden Hazard and Luka Jovic - Frankfurt's demands - Rodri Hernandez's release clause - Why Atletico should go for Mauro Icardi - Who replaces Antoine Griezmann? - The future of Atletico's defense - And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Om Arvind discuss: - La Liga's wonky scheduling - Pros and cons of getting Vinicius Jr in the Segunda B playoffs - Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy if he doesn't win a Champions League with Juventus - What Juventus should do in the off-season - Real Madrid and Barcelona's policy with regards to coaching appointments - Zinedine Zidane's quotes about quitting if he doesn't have control over squad building - The arguments for waiting until the season was over before appointing Zidane - Everyone's role within the club, and what is lacking in the organizational structure - Raul de Tomas 'vs' Mariano - Kawhi Leonard's shot - Top-three Real Madrid jerseys from the last decade - Barcelona's signings this summer - Most urgent positions Real need an upgrade in - How to fit the best attacking players on the pitch without sacrificing transition defense - Generational footballers - And more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Eduardo Alvarez discuss: - What it means to let Zinedine Zidane build his own Real Madrid - Is he still going to get that freedom? Why the feeling has changed - Certain journalists in Madrid on Florentino's strings - The fate of certain players depending on the manager - Who should actually make the decisions on signings? - Missing a Jorge Valdano figure - How much power should the coach actually have? - Raul Gonzalez's impact on our fandom - And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Om Arvind discuss: - What to take away from these final games - The performances of Marcelo, Jesus Vallejo, and Toni Kroos - Villarreal's awful performance and tactical shape, for context - Brahim Diaz assessment, and how Zinedine Zidane views him - What to do with Marco Asensio - The misuse of Mariano Diaz - Paul Pogba's wage - Sergio Ramos as a potential coach - Wan Bissaka - And more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Alex Goldberg discuss: - The links between Chelsea and Real Madrid - Mateo Kovacic assessment, and how it's changed since the beginning of the season - His weaknesses and best role - The competition with Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek - His relationship with Jorginho - Luka Jovic, and what he brings to the table for Real Madrid if he signs - What makes Eden Hazard so special - How Vinicius Jr and Hazard can coexist - Hazard's best role - His potential connection with Karim Benzema - Some Thibaut Courtois banter - How Chelsea can plan for a post-Hazard era - And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is a special episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, as we record our first ever episode in front of a live audience. Kiyan Sobhani is joined by Christian Paredes and Kenneth Jamora to have an intimate conversation with Peña members and Patrons on the direction of the team, and Florentino Perez's presidency. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast comes in two parts: Part One, Kiyan Sobhani and Alan Smith: - Paul Pogba to Real Madrid rumours -- his mentality, how he would potentially fit, etc - The closes player comp in modern football to Alan - Alan's strike partnership with Gary Lineker - His phone call from Sir Alex Ferguson in 1987 - Separating fandom from commentary - The art of FIFA commentating - What it's like working with Martin Tyler - His most famous FIFA line - What's changed in football since Alan's playing days - Leicester winning the title - Jamie Vardy deciding to stay in Leicester rather than signing with Arsenal - What happened to Lucas Perez? - Shkodran Mustafi's regression - What's next for Arsenal? - The Aaron Ramsey Situation - Alan's predictionsL EPL 4th place, EPL winner, Liverpool vs Barcelona Part Two (51:13) Sam Sharpe and Kristofer McCormack: It’s time for podcast number two of my (Sam Sharpe) hopefully ten part series! If you need a recap, then you can listen to the first episode with Barcelona B expert Navid Molaaghaei here! Irishman Kristofer McCormack is a fresh addition to the ManagingMadrid team, and he possess a large amount of Castilla knowledge. Because of this, it was easy to get lost discussing everything from buy-back clauses, to Javier Belman to Martin Ødegaard and everything in-between. Two recent pieces that you have to read include a briefing on Raúl, the manager - and an article on the history of Real Madrid Castilla. Thanks for Kris for coming on, and to all of you who asked questions and contributed to the podcast, now relax and enjoy! Look out for Kristofer’s next piece dropping on ManagingMadrid in the next few days. I have some juicy guests in the works for the next few shows. Who would you like to see on the podcast next? Remember feedback is always appreciated and I’d love to know what you guys are thinking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reminder: LIVE Managing Madrid Podcast happening in San Francisco on April 28th! On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani, Matt Wiltse, and Gabe Lezra discuss: - Real Madrid standouts against Athletic Bilbao - Jesus Vallejo's performance - Real Madrid's center-backs next season - The difference between the first and second halves - Marco Asensio's best position - The accurate long balls and impressive cross-field switching from Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Raphael Varane - Iago Herrerin disasterclass - Karim Benzema's hat-trick, the myth that Cristiano Ronaldo held him back, and telling stats about this season - Casemiro's place in the this team - Discrepancies in opinion about Benzema - And more. Did you enjoy this show? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Purchase Managing Madrid swag here: https://teespring.com/stores/managingmadridswag On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast Kiyan Sobhani and Matt Wiltse discuss: - A very long end to the season - Where to find solace - Zinedine Zidane's pre-game comments about Marcos Llorente - Nervousness about who Zidane chooses for next season - Marcelo and Isco's performances, and place next season - Mariano and Sergio Reguilon situations - Where the team's poison lies - In defense of Marco Asensio - The team missing Vinicius's flair - The team's slow attack - Jorge Valdano wisdom - Casemiro's performance - Breaking down the goal conceded, and also the Martin Braithwaite chance - Answering a question about Reguilon's future - What is Casemiro's market value? - And more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Eduardo Alvarez discuss: - Ed's article on ending Barcelona's domestic dominance - Real Madrid's priorities - Common traits in the seasons Real Madrid do well in La Liga - How can Zinedine Zidane turn the team around - Raul Gonzalez and Xabi Alonso getting promoted in the youth ranks - Paul Pogba's fit - The goalkeeping situation next season - And more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Mike Goodman discuss: - xG and xGA among the top 4 leagues, and what they can tell us - La Liga's low attacking numbers - Premier League's strength - The money distribution in La Liga - Depth of the Premier League - Which stat is football lacking? - OPPDA stat - Examples of bad stats taken out of context - The efficiency of crossing, and particularly in the context of Zidane's tactics - Cristiano Ronaldo and Mario Mandzukic pairing at Juventus - How to break low blocks - Manchester City's incredible knack of scoring the same type of goal over and over again - xGA for goalkeepers - A hypothetical Spanish + French Real Madrid XI (for the future) - And more Did you enjoy this episode? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani, Matt Wiltse, and Brendan Powers discuss: - Zidane's line-up - Luca Zidane's performance - Nacho's performance (and season, and future) - An assessment of Brahim Diaz - Alvaro Odriozola's performance - Was Gareth Bale really that bad? - Marcos Llorente's return - Zidane's press - How to adjust tactically when losing 'height' after Ronaldo's departure - Mariano Diaz's situation - What Eden Hazard's role would be with Real Madrid - And more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Sam Sharpe discuss: - Revisiting the Santiago Solari stint - The Best players in Castilla currently - An update on Aleix Febas, Alvaro Tejero, and Luismi Quezada - Pedro Ruiz, the striker compared to Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Why some of the team's best players aren't playing regularly - Brahim Diaz - Sergio Lopez situation - Cristo Gonzalez's next stop - The next Castilla coach - An update on Raul Gonzalez and Xabi Alonso - The identity of the academy - How does Castilla compare to other academies? - Which players Real should hold on to - Javi Sanchez - And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Matt Wiltse discuss: - Real Madrid's win over Celta and all it's wrinkles - Contextualizing the match -- sample size, opponent -- while discussing the encouraging signs - Zidane's line-up selection - The performances of Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio on the flanks - The crosses compared to the season average this season, both home and away, and why Zidane likes to rely on them (and explaining a crossing scheme in general, and why it can and can't work) - Isco's return - Ditto Marcelo - Bale's role, historically, under Zidane - Odriozola's physical traits - Zidane's subs - And much more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Tiago Estêvão discuss: - The sample size for Eder Militao's strong play - His best position - Is his versatility overstated? - His play since Pepe's arrival - His mindset and off-field distractions - How would he cope with more defensive tests? - Player comps, and parallels to Sergio Ramos - And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Matt Wiltse discuss: - A strange start to the match in Valladolid - Real Madrid's problems in the first half hour of the game - Lack of coverage on the flanks - The mental state of the team during Valladolid's goal - Real Madrid's turning point: Varane's goal - Alvaro Odriozola's performance - Marco Asensio's performance - When to sack Santiago Solari - And more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices