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

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani, Gabe Lezra, and Om Arvind discuss: The World Cup Final: Full analysisMateo Kovacic's lack of playing timeReal Madrid fans who weren't emotionally attached to Cristiano RonaldoMartin Odegaard: What's nextFabio Coentrao: What's nextNeymar baggage -- is it real?The Santiago Bernabeu Yeste and Alfredo Di Stefano era, and parralels with Florentino Perez / Cristiano RonaldoLuke Modric Balon D'or discussionJames Rodriguez return, and Bayern's decision to keep him or notDoes Eden Hazard actually fit?Thibault Courtois in MadridKylian Mbappe's worthRodrygo Goes and Vinicius Jr upsideAnd 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 Gabe Lezra discuss: The nervey Croatia - Russia match, and how Croatia could take down EnglandHow fun will France vs Belgium be?Importance of Casemiro for BrazilLuis Enrique appointment / Fernando Hierro stepping downLatest Cristiano Ronaldo updates, and what's nextThe argument against signing Ronaldo if you're JuveAre there positives to losing Ronaldo if you're Real Madrid?A potential James returnLuka Modric's legacyExtreme hypothetical: Real Madrid lose Ronaldo and Benzema while missing out on Neymar, Mbappe, and KaneDani Carvahal vs Alvaro Odriozola at age 22What happens to Achraf?And 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 Adam Digby discuss: Where the heck did this come from?How real is this?Financial stuff Juve need to figure out in order to sign RonaldoWhy Juve? Why aren't there offers from other teams?Is he worth it, given his contract and age?Jorge Mendes ployPotentially sending Juve players the other wayFlorentino Perez's mindsetAnd more -- including a bonus monologue on Alvaro Odriozola Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us on Patreon: Patreon.com/ManaginMadrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gabe Lezra is flying solo today (probably a good thing) to rant about Spain's choke job against Russia, and the controversy surrounding the match, and where to apportion the blame (I think you can probably guess where this is going...). Ultimately the players choked--but what happened to allow this situation to occur in the first place? And where does the Spanish national team (and the federation) go from here? He also discusses the Portugal-Uruguay match, and Uruguay's chances moving forward with their strong defense, Messi's GOAT case and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Gabe Lezra discuss:   Germany's flaws, as they exit this ridiculous World Cup so far How things can turn around for SpainShould Nacho start?Is the De Gea criticism justified?Spanish press circling De Gea when there are much bigger problemsThings that Hierro needs to fixIs Luka Modric the player of the tournament so far?VAR IS A GOOD THINGThe situations of Asensio and KovacicWhat are the chances that Harry Kane will be signed?Isco carrying the offensive loadWhich Spanish tabloids have sources?Lopetegui tacticsAnd 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

In this BONUS SHORT, we bring you the audio of your MM Host Gabe Lezra's recent interview on the London radio station LoveSport Radio (558 on your AM dial if you're in London)--he talked with host James Sherwood  about Spain's draw with Portugal, Cristiano's heroics (is it time to crown a new king of Spain?!), Lopetegui drama (and who's to blame--in Gabe's opinion, not Real Madrid!) and more. Gabe will be appearing regularly on LoveSport throughout the world cup to cover Spain and Real Madrid. Check out his appearances on Saturdays around 6:00 PM GMT! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosts Gabe Lezra (@ElEzrah) and Om Arvind (@OmVArvind) break down all the World Cup games so far from a Real Madrid perspective. How incredible was King Cristiano, First of His Name? Should Spain be worried moving forward without Lopetegui? Why isn't Croatia starting Kovacic? What about Marcelo and Brazil, are they uninspired or did they just run into a really good Swiss defense?  Plus, transfer questions, Lopetegui's approach, and more! Including Gabe's rants about FOX Sports coverage of the event (spoiler: we're not a fan) and an in-depth discussion of the moral and ethical issues surrounding the World Cup. How can we love something that's so mired in corruption and real human suffering? Is soccer really for "everyone" if FIFA is willing to sell the Cup to nations that actively hate gay people, like Russia?  All this and more on YOUR Managing Madrid podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Phil Ball discuss: The White Storm -- looking back at Galactico 1.0 with hindsightDavid Beckham's professionalismInitial reactions to Julen Loptegui's appointmentWhy announce it now?How does this effect the World Cup camp?Does Lopetegui bring any Spanish players with him?Fit: tactics, versatility, man management, etcPast club faliures with Porto, and what it means nowWhy did Julen agree to this?What does it mean for certain players in the squad, like Isco, Asensio, Bale, Cebalos, etcIs this a transittory appointment?How does money affect the growth of younger 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

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Christian Paredes discuss: The growth of Real Madrid's brand around the worldReal Madrid vs Manchester United in 2000 -- the importance of that tieIs European / Champions League DNA real?Guti's mangerial identityThe greatness of this eraGareth Bale's positioning The most important figures in Real Madrid historyThe pressure of winningDidier Deschamps pros and consWhich players have the best chemistry with Cristiano Ronaldo?Balon D'or raceHypothetical scenarios for next seasonAnd 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