On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Gabe Lezra discuss:   Real Madrid blowing their xG out of the water againPablo Machin's efficient schemes this seasonToni Kroos's brilliance all over the pitchThe general direct approach from the front six in the final thirdSet-piece defendingLucas Vazquez's formCristiano Ronaldo going into unicorn mode The benefits of owning a smaller team in La Liga the way Manchester City do with GironaWhere do the Messi fan boys come from, exactly? Like, physically. How do they always pop up?Our favourite (and least favourite) podcasts are recordedThe Karim Benzema criticismThe polarizing player that Isco has becomeReal Madrid's worst finishes in La Liga historyAnd 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

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Matt Wiltse discuss:   The brief Miguel Palanca cameoSergio Ramos's transition from a right-back to center-backAll the unforunate memories of Fernando GagoGonzalo Higuain's legacyMarcelo's growing pains en route to becoming one of the best wing-backs of all timeDani Parejo's expectations, and how he's finally starting to hit stride under MarcelinoHow much we love Ruben de la RedSergio Canales's sad careerThe phone call Varane received from ZidaneWhether Alvaro Morata will cement himself as a starting strikerJese's mentalityJavier Portillo falling off a cliffAnd more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadri Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Pocast, Kiyan Sobhani and Matt Wiltse discuss: Real Madrid's Champions League hangover in IpuruaThe great (and not so efficient against Real Madrid) EibarThe diamond issue, and Isco's roleGareth Bale's role in the 4-4-2Wing-backs not pushing up until later in the match when the scheme shifted a bitLuka Modric is so, so good at footballCristiano Ronaldo, why we don't talk enough about the GOATSergio Ramos's accidentThe unpredictability of Zidane's starting XI in a big matchMadridista friends growing upMartin Odegaard, next stepsAnd 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

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani is joined by Euan McTear to discuss: How Eibar, the smallest team in La Liga, have found so much successMendilibar's 4-4-2, and turnover within the squadKeeping the core, starting with Frank Garagarza -- Eibar's MonchiIvan Alejo, signed at an absolute bargaingTHE LEGEND THAT IS INUIPedro Leon's return this weekend as a starter against Real MadridAnd 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

Two parts to this week's Managing Madrid Podcast. Part 1. Kiyan Sobhani is joined by ESPNFC's Jonathan Johnson to discuss: PSG's mindset heading into the second legRevisiting important wrinkles from the first legAngel Di Maria's upcoming roleThe end of Lo Celso as a DMPSG's probabl line-upKylian Mbappe's healthThe pressure on EmeryPSG's ultrasReal Madrid's potential starters Part 2. Gabe Lezra and Om Arvind discuss: Madrid's inability to get up for Liga games. Why does it take a goal to get these guys motivated? BBC taking over and then dominating the match. Having them on form will be crucial if Madrid want to make a deep UCL run. Marcos Llorente's strong match, even though he wasn't in his ideal position. Theo blossoming into an elite LB.Questions on superstition, "traditional"/tactical roles and Llorente's future? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan, Gabe, and Om discuss: The BBC, 4-4-2, and Lucas VazquezTheo's performanceZidane's emphasis to go to the flanks, the off-ball movement, and the reason for constant danger The steady progression of the Casemiro - Kovacic doubke-pivotRevisting the Dani Ceballos situation: the options Real Madrid had over the summer, Barca's eye on him, and his developmentCaptainaldo!The future legacies of Real Madrid's summer signingsGoalkeeper probability (and general discussion) on De Gea, Kepa, and DonnarumaLine-ups against PSG in the second legAnd a ton 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

On the episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Sam Sharpe discuss: The main differences between last year's Castilla team and this year'sMario Hermoso's leapPhilipe Lienhart updateThe unfortunate start to Sergio Diaz's Real Madrid careerAleix Febas updateFede V updateSeoane carrying the load at CastillaCristo as a striker, and what his best role really isDani Gomez conspiracy -- why is he only being called up by Guti and not Solari?Match-fixing scandal in Segunda, and where Castilla standLuismi Quezada's repositioned role as a left wingerCastilla's defense -- continually one of their bright spotsMartin Odegaard -- how he's doing, how the press evaluates him, and how we're trying to bring him in for an interviewAlvaro Tejero call-upsVinicius JR updateWho makes it from this current Castilla squad?Moha, Belman, Luca Zidane, and so forthRMTV commentators falling asleep during broadcastsAnd a ton 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

On this episode of the Managing Madrid podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Om Arvind discuss: The stereotypical Quique Setien gameReal Madrid's awful defensive structure in this particular 4-4-2The psychological importance of Sergio Ramos's goalZinedine Zidane's half-time team talkxG in the past few games, and how Real Madrid have been ripping it to shredsLucas Vazquez's contributionsTwo elephants in the roomMateo Kovacic not at his bestGareth Bale's isolated role in the 4-4-2Cristiano Ronaldo's epic off-ball movementMarco Asensiooooo!Theo's lack of focus on Sergio Leon's goalHow Real Madrid will cope without Toni Kroos in the next few matchesReal Madrid's lack of defense in their DNA historicallyAnd 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

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Jonathan Johnson (ESPNFC) discussed:  PSG's mood / morale / feeling going into this matchThe tests PSG have faced this season, and how they've coped with themEmery's tactics heading into this matchPSG's weaknessesDi Maria's role heading into this game, particularly based on his recent form and health / form concerns of Mbappe and CavaniMotta's health concerns, and how PSG will look without himAreola dealing with long shotsReactions by the board if PSG lose the tieReal Madrid's formations against PSG, and things to take away from the win against Sociedad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Om Arvind dicussed: Real Madrid's defensive vulnerabilityLuka Modric being God but needing more help from the teamHow Real Madrid should be working to prevent countersMindset heading into the PSG matchPersonnel / tactical problemsCasemiro's role, and whether he's conducive to the team winningSubbing Gareth BaleAsensio's minutesFalse 9 -- yay or nay?Where would Zidane go next season if it came down to that?Real Madrid managers throughout history who've returned after being firedWhat Twitter would be like if it were around during the Di Stefano / Puskas eraThe pros and cons of playing the 2nd leg away from homeAnd more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through our Patreon page: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Om Arvind discuss: Where this win ranks among other performances this seasonReal Madrid's wonky and fluctuating xGReal Madrid's press, and how they dealt with Valencia'sCasemiro being CasemiroZidane's subsRoles of the midfield trioGoncalo Guedes / Carlos Soler swapThe Isco question, and debunking narratives against himCrossing stats, and the correlation with playing wellDiego LlorenteJesus Vallejo as a theoretical DMOm's video about the Benzema - Ronaldo partnershipState of refereeing in La LigaAnd a ton 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

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani was joined by David Garrido of Sky Sports to discuss: Valencia's form this season, including their recent slumpMarcelino's blitzing counter-attack, and Real Madrid's worrying transition defenseThe upside of Carlos SolerMaksimovic, Santi Mina, Francis Coquelin and Valencia's depthThe discipline required to buy into Marcelino's blueprintThe bitter rivalry between Real Madrid and ValenciaThe Gaizka Mendieta 'what if' in 2001Valencia's backline, and lack of center backs for this weekendDevelopments on 'Nou Mestalla'Real Madrid's identityThe blame -- where does it lie?The upside of Dani CeballosAnd more! Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadri Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan, Gabe, and Om discuss: The tactical differences against Deportivo compared to previous schemesThe improved structure of the midfield trioGareth Bale's importance, not only offensively, but also in terms of balanceBorja Mayoral's performanceThe Isco questionMinor nitpickingPSG discussionZinedine Zidane's post-game commentsQuezada's shift from left back to left wingBarcelona in the Champions LeagueA massive discussion on Ronaldo's inevitable departure, and how it should go down Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gabe Lezra rolls solo in this episode (Kiyan was busy being a good father, the loser, while Om is overseas...) where he recaps Madrid's victory in the Butarque. It wasn't a great match, but it was a great result for Madrid, especially this season. Additionally, he also talks scouting--which young players looked good in the Butarque, and how to separate their individual performances as prospects from how the team looks. Finally, he brings in a Let's Fix Football crossover, featuring some clips where he, his co-host Evan Mateer and James Rushton of our SBN partner blogs The AC Milan Offside and 7500 to Holte. They talk AC Milan's recent issues and the Russian doping scandal's effect on FIFA.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Matt Wiltse discuss: Their initial reaction to Pablo Fornals's goalTactics against Villarreal, and general schematic problems during this rutThe differences between this 'diamond' and last year's diamondThe need for tactical rejuvinationPriorities this seasonCristiano Ronaldo.The benefits that Dani Ceballos could bring....A question on player declineCrossing stats against VillarrealAnd a ton more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadri Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Allen Dodson discussed: Villarreal's Copa del Rey exit, and their historical negligence in this competitionThe emergence of Pablo FornalsDefensive drop-offs and not being able to replace players like Eric Bailly and Mateo MussacchioA breakdown of the Cedric Bakambu dealPossible replacement(s) for BakambuaVillarreal's probable starting XI and scheme against Real MadridJuan Roman Riquelme's allure, and Villarreal's most fun sides since the turn of the centuryAnd 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

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Gabe Lezra and Kiyan Sobhani discussed:   Marcelo's post-game commentsMarcelo's defensive problems, and other problems withing the team surrounding him that made it even worseThe diference between Toni Kroos and Luka Modric defensivelyLacking "fire"Gareth Bale putting the team on his back, and becoming a leader when the team needs oneAchraf's performance.Zidane's comments about the team not needing a goalkeeper"Has Zidane tried everything?"The patience and grooming needed with Marcos LlorenteObvious and glaring tactical problems that have dumbfounded us And a ton more If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani was joined by Spanish football journalist Alexandra Jonson (@AlexandraJonson on Twitter) to discuss Real Madrid's upcoming opponent Celta Vigo, and namely:   John Guidetti's interesting career, and how he's fallen so much out of Celta's rotationCelta Vigo's summer, and general transfer philosophy which has fans dividedHow Real Madrid can handle the Aspas-Maxi-Sisto trifectaAn outside view of Real Madrid's disappointing season until nowCelta's rotations after playing all their key players against BarcaRuben Blanco -- underrated treasureAnd a ton more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through our Patreon page: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan and Lucas discussed:   A nightmarish second half in El ClasicoThe starting line-up. What was good about it, and what were its flawsZinedine Zidane's reaction in the second halfReal Madrid's offensive labour without a player to bind the counter-attackThe defensive decisions of inidividuals in the second half which had multiple domino effectsLa Liga title race, and Zidane's line-of-thinking to salvage the seasonAnd a ton more. Did you enjoy this podcast (maybe you weren't in a good mood after this game, alas), then please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani was joined by Alex Kirkland to discuss all things el Clasico, including: Gareth Bale's role in this game: How many minutes will he get, and what will he bring to the table?Furthermore, what part do Isco and Benzema play?Barca's probable XI, and the Jordi Alba threatOur favourite Clasicos in recent memoryThe most entertaining Clasicos from a neutral perspectiveReal Madrid's second goal-keeper optionsDani Ceballlos's playing timeAlex's favourite punjabi songsAnd more! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider supporting us through out Patreon page: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid podcast, Gabe, Om, and Kiyan discussed: Kaka's legacy at Real MadridAntoinne Greizmann's costume The difference in schemes between the matches against Al Jazira and GremioThe innocence and sweetness of Jesus VallejoCristiano Ronaldo's infinite records A potential Harry Kane / Kylian Mbappe fitJose Angel Sanchez -- the brilliant man behind the scenesGareth Bale, and Clasico formationsOur favourite coaches since 2000Player from the past we'd most like to intergrate into today's squadAnd a ton 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

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan, Gabe, and Om discussed: The mess that is Sevilla FCReal Madrid's diverse offensive scheme: fresh and efficientThe great shifts from Real Madrid's back-line in the absences of key defensive playersAgain, the recurring Isco debateStandouts: Asensio and RonaldoZidane's substitutions, and Kiyan's sadness of the Bernabeu's reaction to Llorente's subAnd a ton 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

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan and Om discussed: The hot topic that is Isco's free-role: Issues, difference between this season's scheme and last season's, potential benefits, and the dangerous dominoesReal Madrid's struggle in creating chancesBenzema and Ronaldo: xGs, isolations, having to drop deep, disconnected as a duo, not receiving the ball in areas where they can thriveWhat would Gareth Bale solve once he returns?De Gea / KepaAll the reasons why Real Madrid have not looked like themselves (no spoilers in this bullet point. You'll have to listen to the pod)Raul Garcia smhSchematic solutions: Tinkering with different formations, fresh ideas, and better substitutional patternsA ton more Did you enjoy this pod? Want access to more? Want rewards? Maybe you just want to support us? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gabe Lezra and Om Arvind break down Real Madrid's discombobulated win versus Malaga, touching on everything from Cristiano Ronaldo's state of mind while taking penalties, to Zidane's tactical decision to roll out a strange 4-4-2 variant. They also discuss Isco's role in the tactical strategy, and the plusses and minuses of such a roaming playmaking position.  They also discuss Barcelona's 1-1 draw with Valencia at the Mestalla--which, interestingly, could be a strong metaphor for both sides' seasons so far.  Finally, they take your patron questions--enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Matt Wiltse discuss: Tactics against Atletico: The good, the bad, and that 'what should've been different'Zidane's subs, and lack of reaction to what was unfolding in front of himRonaldo and Benzema's formThe polarizing figure that is IscoCasemiro, Modric, and Kroos's ability to deal with a pressAtletico's approach / butcheringThe..... referee.... .. .A ton more If you enjoyed this podcast, and want access to more content, please join us on Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices