On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Matt Wiltse discuss: - CWC threepeat! - Standout players from the final - Should've been a more emphatic scoreline, given the decision-making in the final third - Al Ain's 'weapons' -- set-pieces and Caito - Llorente's progression offensively - His dedication off the field, praise from Solari, and extreme diet and fitness regime - Who starts as the team's DM in 2019? - The Isco situation - Upcoming schedule - And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please leave us a 5-star rating on iTunes. Also, 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, hosts Gabe Lezra, Om Arvind and Kiyan Sobhani discuss:  - Real Madrid's struggles against a completely neutered Rayo Vallecano - Diving into some of the advanced statistics - Is this the real Real Madrid, or is there something else going on? - What's going on with Isco? - Is Real Madrid's attacking problem systemic? Or is it luck? -Om gives us a deep dive into the Lopetegui vs. Solari debate, including advanced statistics - How does Solari actually want his team to play, and can that jive with Isco? 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 (@ElEzrah) Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) Om Arvind (@OmVArvind) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani, Gabe Lezra, and Om Arvind discuss: SuperClasico thoughtsThe woeful offensive stats against HuescaSolari's schematic rigidityBright spots: Courtois, Bale, and Llorente (with extra Kiyan-monologue-sauce on the laste one)Quick notes from the Melilla matchSolari's lack of adjustmentsIsco's positioningReal Madrid's midfield options next summerIsco's instagram postAnd more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please give us a 5-star rating on iTunes. Also, please consider supporting us on 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 David Garrido discuss: Valencia's slow start to the game, and issues on the pitch (and also their issues this season)Dani Carvajal's return to form, and him and Vazquez teaming up to take Gaya / Guedes out of the gameReal Madrid's excellent pressReal Madrid looking in control, but in reality, the chances were evenRamos, Ceballos, and Modric's performancesThe Isco situationMarcos Llorente, thorough reviewAnd more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please leave us a 5-star rating on iTunes. Also, 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, Gabe Lezra, and Om Arvind discuss: Ceballos as defensive midfielderReal Madrid's transition defense.. Were there any positives?Why aren't we seeing Marcos Llorente or Fede Valverde?10 offsidesBuild-up issues stemming from the backBale's no-showIncoherent, emotional ranting from all 3 membersLack of leadershipDopingBrahim Diaz rumoursPerpetual Liverpool saltIsco taking a backseat under SolariVarane falling asleep on Eibar's third goalOdrizola's touchAnd a ton more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please give us a 5-star rating on iTunes. Also, 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 answers your questions. Topics discussed: Comparing Mbappe and Asensio's leadership qualitiesSolari benching certain playersDifferent potential formations, and looking at th 3-5-2 and 4-2-3-1Tite's comments about Rodrgyo Goes being more mature than Vinicius JrSpending money on transfers, and it's correlation with stadium costsIs Luis Figo underrated?And more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please leave us a 5-star rating on iTunes, and also please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosts Gabe Lezra, Om Arvind and Emilee Woods break down Real Madrid's impressive 2-4 victory over Celta Vigo in Balaídos--a ground they've traditionally struggled with. There's a fair amount to say about this match but, let's be real, this was a game where Celta decided to emulate Simeone's Atleti and literally injure as many people as possible.  Oh, and Barcelona lost. And Madrid won. Is this real life? Some topics discussed:  What is "black magic" in this new sense? And is this really a fair characterization of Solari's tenure so far? How Big is Benz? And is this the new normal for him? (I think you can guess where we were on this). Alright, let's talk about injuries. Nacho's injury is huge. He's a modern defensive back, playing multiple positions--the duct tape, if you will. Casemiro's only out for a bit, so that's good. And Regilión, who was huge in this match, will also be out--where does that leave us?Some high points from the match: Benzema. Benzema. Benzema. And Modric--is he back? And he's a hugely important cog in this machine, so an in-form Modric could be a massive upgrade. Solari's decision to play Odriozola and Reguilión instead of Nacho and others out of position.Madrid held Celta to around 1 xG in Balaídos--a great result. Is this Solari's doing? How much of today's result can be attributed to the grit the teams had on display? Madrid's targets in the Superclásico--Palacios and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Om Arvind discuss: A weird game that turned into a feel-good winWhy did Real Madrid look so underwhelming for the majority of the match?Needing more from Gareth BaleThe team's defensive shapeVinicius's impact off the benchCasemiro's performance as an attacking threatSolari's subsWhat are the odds of winning the league?A larger, more in-depth conversation about Gareth BaleThe lack of a leader in attackAnd more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please leave us a 5-star rating on iTunes. Also, 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 Sam Sharpe discuss: The facts: A quick rundown of everything that happened today and who takes what roleThe club's statement about LopeteguiAssessing Solari's first two seasons with CastillaWhy his third season has been better, objectivelyReinventing Sergio Diaz, Luismi Quezada, Cristo, and othersThe one constant under Solari's regime: Good defendingThe Vinicius effect Discussing some other names, namely GutiQuick thoughts on Raul and XabiAnd more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please leave us a 5-star rating on iTunes. Also, please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There's just no way to sugarcoat this one, folks. It's a complete disaster for Real Madrid, as they've lost 5-1 to Barcelona in the Camp Nou. Gabe and Om work to pick up the pieces of the Lopetegui era.  Some topics:  The first half disaster--is it tactical, motivational, or both?Lopetegui's situational cowardice. Critical abandonment of the press-and-posess formula for milquetoast crap.Can anyone be salvaged from this performance? What does the immediate future look for this Real Madrid side?What happened inn the second half, when Madrid looked to counter-punch?Madrid's inability to bury chances as the dominating narrative of the era. Where to place blame--and whether to look to place blame in one place.Nuance and Managing Madrid. We don't have some sort of agenda, come on, we're just as upset about this as you are.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Alex Kirkland (RMTV, TSFP) discuss: What happened against LevanteReal Madrid's goalscoring strugglesThe contrast between Real Madrid's first-half and second-half (a recurring trend, in some ways)The historically bad goalscoring statsSolari's turnaround with CastillaVinicius JrThe case for Lopetegui to stay, but the harsh reality surrounding the situationModric's form Asensio's formLopetegui's playing style, and the complaints about possession footballAnd much more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please leave us a 5-star rating on iTunes, and also consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gabe and Om try to figure out what to talk about because it's the international break and, honestly, there's just not that much going on. Thankfully, there were some good questions, so that helped for sure.  Here are some of the topics: The international break sucks.The international break sucks because players injure themselves and then their clubs get screwed over just because they played in one stupid friendly match against the Falkland Islands or whatever. Should we develop a basketball-like rule to stop people from parking the bus? No. A Portuguese tabloid is blaming Real Madrid for "forcing" Ronaldo to settle his sexual assault case. Madrid....did not take that allegation in stride and have already sued the paper for libel. Is Kroos playing too deep? What's going on there? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Om Arvind discuss: Lopetegui's tactical issues"over-fluidity"Lack of vertical optionsPositioning of the midfield trioLack of bail-out players on the fieldBenzema's lack of productionThe poor quality of shotsThanking God for the international breakLuka Modric's formReal Madrid's wingback situation, and the offensive drop-off without MarceloCoaching replacements (because someone asked us about it)Striker options, and thoughts on: Hazard, James, AubamayengAnd more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please give us a 5-star rating on iTunes, and also consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode of the Managing Madrid podcast is brought to you by Hotel Europa. On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Robbie Dunne discuss: - Atletico's defensive scheme, and how well they snuffed space - Why this game proved difficult to score in - What Gimenez brought to the table for Atletico - What was missing without Marcelo and Isco - The contrast between the first and second halves, and what Ceballos changed - Individual talking points: Kroos, Asensio, Benzema, Ramos, Nacho - Lopetegui's subs - The upcoming schedule - And more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please leave us a 5-star rating on iTunes. Also, 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, Gabe Lezra, and Om Arvind discuss:   The (relatively) low xG for both sides for this particular gameA Matheu Lahoz rantEspanyol's high-pressIsco and Asensio's interchangeabilityWhat Gareth Bale would've solvedPass maps and what they indicateReal Madrid's great press, exemplified by Ceballos and CasemiroSergio Ramos's 'freedom'The case for more Mariano for this particular matchMarcos Llorente swooning us'New Bernabeu' plansAnd more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please leave us a 5-star rating on iTunes, and also please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MMPod hosts Gabe Lezra and worst account on football twitter-nominee Om Arvind were on the Let’s Fix Football Podcast on Ballon d’Order this week to talk about The Financial Times’ article about Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo gamble (from a financial angle).  Juventus is banking on a massive increase not just in their own publicity but in Serie A’s publicity and ability to market itself internationally--but how smart is that gamble? Is the “Cristiano Ronaldo effect” as pronounced as they think—and even if it is, can Juve take full advantage? Also, FIFA dropped some new potential rules. They’re weird. They’re also really important. Finally, on this clip they also talk about the ongoing soccer analytics revolution and the fact that some of the friving forces behind the movement are American.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode of the Managing Madrid Podcas is brought to you by Hotel Europa in Madrid. On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani, Gabe Lezra, and Om Arvind discuss:   Courtois's comfort with the ball at his feetAthletic Bilbao's pressingBerizzo's man-marking schemeReal Madrid's vulnerability defending the half-space between Marcelo and RamosThe changes that Casemrio broughtToni Kroos as a defensive midfielder: when it works, and when it doesn'tThe linebreakers: Marcelo, Marco Asensio, IscoReal Madrid's financesWhen will we see more counter-attacks?Explaining Lpoetegui's subsAnd more Did you enjoy this episode? Please give us a 5-star ratigin on iTunes. Also, please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re all sick, and it’s the international break. So, sorry if we sound a bit weird. Plus Gabe is producing today. On this episode Om Arvind, Kiyan Sobhani and Gabe Lezra discuss: Spain vs. England takeawaysLuis Enrique’s debut as a managerSergio Ramos (boooooooo -Liverpool/all England fans)Dani Carvajal’s resurgenceLeave Isco alone! He’s good, actually.The Nation’s League: good, bad or meh?Om’s tactical breakdown of the Spain matchTime for Löw to move on from Germany?Other Real Madrid player performancesReal Madrid’s international team parallelGameday atmosphere in Madrid, some suggestions of where to watch matchesHas Ramos always been this good at attacking/dribbling?Lauri Markkanen’s brother played for Real Madrid, apparently? 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 appreciate your support so that we can continue to produce podcasts for you as independent journalists. 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 its podcasts, going. 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 positive performance!Lopetegui’s desire to control games, and the absurd amount of possessionThe change of style, and the emphasis on efficiencyThings Real Madrid do need to improve onWhat is the most efficient front six?Where does Marcos Llorente fit?Luka Modric’s freedomeBale and Benzema shot volumeMarcelo’s freak passing and shaky defensive startVinicius getting bit, plus Kiyan’s conversation with SolariKarim Benzema’s link-up play, and the difference between this season and last seasonDani Carvajal baby stepsMariano and the #7Sergio Ramos’s positioning under LoepteguiThe Cristiano no-show controversySaying goodbye to Fabio CoentraoAnd more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani, Gabe Lezra, and Om Arvind discuss: Om's rubbish binWhat changed at half-time in Girona?Problems facing a high pressCasemiro's issues and what he needs to overcome to play more comfortablly in Lopetegui's scheme Isco's roleWhat happened on the goal conceded?Keylor's distributionGareth Bale's alpha formRamos and penaltiesBeIn crew bringing up reports about Asensio 'picking up bad habits'Information about Managing Madrid and how it operatesPep's version of Juego de PosicionAnd more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please give us a 5-star rating on iTunes, and also 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 and Jeremy Beren (of Into The Calderon) discuss: Atletico's revamped rosterTheir potential starting XI against Real Madrid on WednesdayDevelopment of Theo and Lucas HernandezA perspective of Real Madrid's summer from a rivalThe victory of Griezmann's 'decision'Rodrigo Moreno fi at Real, Valencia's striker overloadToni Kroos as an anchor?The different between Zidane and Loeptegui's offensive schemeMiranda and IcardiWho could use Martin Odegaard in La LigaThiago fit?Mateo Kovacic's tweetJournalism credibilityThe Courtois 'hate' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani, Gabe Lezra, and Om Arvind discuss: Real Madrid's pressing against Juventus looking goodChecking in on Lopetegui's tactical identityMarco Asensio as a false 9 Gareth Bale relianceSergio Reguilion pre-season progressJavi Sanchez pre-season progressDani Carvajal formWhat happens to Fede Valverde and Martin Odegaard?Odriozola 'vs' CarvajalSergio Aguero fit?Is Serie A on the rise?Boateng / Jay-Z stuffWhat happens to Andriy Lunin this season?Playing for your rival -- how can Madridistas play for Barca and vice versa?The formations Lopetegui used against JuveLopetegui deleting his social mediaRaul's FIFA icon cardAnd more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Please leave us a 5-star rating on iTunes. Also, please consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosts Gabe Lezra and Om Arvind break down a whole lot of not much this week--they break down the recent transfer rumors, including Theo possibly joining la Real on loan, and the Don Balón reporting on Florentino Perez flying to London for...reasonns. They also talk about Real Madrid in Miami, Lopetegui's tactics, and Om gives us his 30 second breakdown of JLo's tactics and Juego de Posición.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this epsiode of the Managing Madrid Pocast, Kiyan Sobhani, Gabe Lezra, and Om Arvind discuss: Sri Lankan foodEden Hazard's brothers plus potential fit with Real MadridWould Mauro Icardi fit?Keys to sustained winning year after yearGo-to fast food jointsCristiano Ronaldo's relationship with Florentino PerezFuture free-kick takersWhere does Cristiano Ronaldo retire?How to make the Balon D'or ceremony a bit betterMesut Ozil's statementsIs it fair to label Isco as inefficient?Emilio Butragueño tributeAnd more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please give us a rating on iTunes and consider supporting us through Patreon: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a BONUS short for you tonight, as your host Gabe Lezra was interviewed for his weekly segment on LoveSport Radio UK to talk transfers. They discussed how to replace Ronaldo (impossible), the mood around Madrid (nostalgic) and all the different options Real Madrid are mulling in what appears to be a rather subdued market (....at least at the moment!) You can catch Gabe on LoveSport every Saturday, and if you're in London tune to 558 on your AM dial; otherwise the shows are available on f**n' line.  Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices