On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani is joined by John Dillon to discuss:   The latest from Bayern's camp -- injuries, likely replacements, etcThe depth and versatillity of Jupp HeynckesHow Real Madrid controlled Lewandowski and Robben last seasonWhat James Rodriguez brings to the table for BayernHow big Vidal's absence will beThe most jarring Real Madrid vs Bayern moments everPredictionsAnd 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

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Gabe Lezra discuss: Leftover Juve stuffBayern's potential line-up aganist Real Madrid (and vice versa)How Zidane should look to cover up for Marcelo defensivelyTakeaways from Malaga: Standouts or otherwiseHas Real Madrid ever been one of the best defensive teams in the world?James Rodriguez stuffOnce de Gala shrinkageAnd 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

Two parts to tonight's Managing Madrid Podcast.  Part one (Kiyan Sobhani and Adam Digby of BeIn Sports): The ice in Ronaldo's veins, and the underrated header leading up to the penaltyThat penalty callBuffon's sending-off (red card, Champions League career and all) -- not an ideal oneWhere do Juve go from here?Using the Champions League as the measuring stick of how great a team really isHow much did Roma's results fuel belief in Juve?And more Part two (Patron mailbag): The crazy stance neutrals and Cules took regarding the penalty callJuventus losing their minds after the call, and after the game tooRanking which teams Kiyan would least like to face in the semi-finalsGareth Bale's role, and the short leash he hadWhat Zidane really changed with his half-time subs, namely stretching the field, creating some press-resitance, and providing cover for MarceloCarvajal vs MandzukicJesus Vallejo's performanceJuve snuffing out vertical channels in the first halfIsco's 'offside' goalHow worried should we be heading into the semi-finals?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, Gabe Lezra, and Om Arvind dicuss:   How close this was to a stereotypical derbyGareth Bale's role: What it was, what it should've been, and why he looked better in certain moments over othersThe regression of Atletico over the past few yearsThe tactics from both sidesxG, and context neededPasillo, and all the controversy around Zidane's comments about itMateo Kovacic's defensive shiftAntoinne Griezmann's celebrationMost annoying opponents to play againstZinedine Zidane's minute distribution, and his decision to pull Cristiano Ronaldo outAnd 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, Jeremy Beren of Into The Calderon joins Kiyan Sobhani to discuss:   The strides Atletico have taken since the beginning of the season amid all their issues both on and off the pitchDiego Costa changing the complexion of Simeone's offensive schemeJust what is it like supporting a Europa League team?The Lucas Hernandez experienceJust how hyped is this derby?Koke's comments about IscoAnnoying Atletico quirksPredictions for this weekendAnd 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

Gabe Lezra is recording from a pub at JFK airport (of course) and is joined by Om Arvind to break down Real Madrid's strong performance against Las Palmas (0-3). They discussed Luka Modric's MOTM performance, Bale and Vallejo's masterclass. Was this a 4-2-3-1? Why did Zidane leave Ceballos off the roster? All this and more! Then they welcome long-term friend of the show Teddy Maglio (surprise Ted!) on to chat UCL, Liverpool, ManCity and the future of English sides in Europe and the USA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Jamie Kemp discuss:   Las Palmas' roller-coaster in the last two seasonsThe sadness of seeing Jonathan Viera goMinor positives amid this season of disasterThe entire Paco Jemez experience -- high-line, post-game gold and allThe Vitolo rentalHow the careers of Halilovic and Kovacic have unfoldedPredictions and tactics of this weekend's match in Gran CanariaWhy was Lemos loaned out?Interesting stats'Possession-lost' statistics, and the proper context neededAnd 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 discusses:   Cristiano in the eyes of the mediaHow Real Madrid will compete with other big clubs for signing players in the futureWhat would our front three look like if I had a gun to my head and was asked to replace Bale and Benzema with anyone?Shift from crossing to more unpredictability in the final thirdIsco's role in the team (yes, again)Just how special is the Bernabeu?The recording and publishing process of a Managing Madrid PodcastWhat should happen to Marcos Llorente next season?Is Cristiano the best header in the history of the game?If we could have any player in Barcelona's history, it would be....If FIFA was like NBA 2K, which Real Madrid era would we want to play with?Real Madrid being severly behind in not having a women's team yetWorst signings in Real Madrid historyCurrent World XI to play against the aliensWhere does Pepe rank among the best defenders in Real Madrid history?Why didn't OG Ronaldo make the cut in our all-time team?An all-time RM XI based on peak only -- not longevity nor their Real Madrid legacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Om Arvind discuss:   Their respective all-time XI's, and their rationale behind their selectionsHow would Di Stefano do if he was put in a time machine and brought to 2018 while still in his peak?Gento being way ahead of his timeMarcelo vs Roberto CarlosThe tough choice: Defensive midfieldersRevisionist history with certain legendsStyllistic comparisons to Di StefanoHuge Sanchez being unerratedRaul vs PuskasHow far away was Guti with regards to being in the conversation?Real Madrid's valuesWho influenced us the most as fans?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 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