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

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

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

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

This episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast is two parts: Part One, Phil Kitromilides of RMTV: The most special moments of the past six yearsThe failures building up to La DecimaThe best goals scored in the past six yearsAdvice for aspiring journalistsBest stadiums in SpainCorazon Classic MatchAnd more Part Two, yours truly: Zidane's legacy and what's nextRanking potential candidatesThe case for GutiBale's lack of reaction (on social media) to Zidane's decisionAnd 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 special episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Gabe Lezra discuss: Real Madrid's legacy (our yearly post-season discussion)The feelings behind and throughout this matchThe most defining momentsTactical worries stemming from the starting scheme -- all coming true from our predictionsThe composure of Luka Modric and Toni KroosCasemiroThe before and after of Salah's injuryGareth Bale's influence on the pitchNarratives from the anti-Madrid crowd.Bale's bicycle vs Zidane's volleyHow to keep the hunger moving forwardBenzema's workrate and intelligencePure athleticism of the teamTransfer stuff surrounding the BBCRonaldo and Bale's post-game commentsAnd a ton more. Did you enjoy this po Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Gabe Lezra discuss:   Luka Doncic, and La DecimaThe sharp contrast between Real Madrid’s first half and second half performance at CerámicaThe similarities (albeit clutching here) between Liverpool and VillarrealBreaking the pressCarvajal vs ManéBale’s potential functioning against LiverpoolLiverpool’s defensive shapeLiverpool’s weaknessesSome quick opinions on these transfer suggestions: Neymar, De Gea, KanteMichael Laudrup’s legacyAnd more Did you enjoy this show? 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 and Matt Wiltse discuss: Barca's invincible seasonCelta Vigo's suicidal high lineA Boyé dudReal Madrid's comfort in picking Celta apart; plus discussion on the 4-1-4-1, 4-2-3-1, and 4-4-1-1Thierry Henry's positioning (you'll see why)Gareth Bale's best position, and why he plays better on the flankBorja Mayoral's place long termThe benefits of having interchangeable flanksAchraf Hakimi's progress: Final ball, touch, defending, dribbling, etcWhat Jesus Vallejo needsAnd a ton more Did you enjoy this podcast? Do you want a chance to win a Gareth Bale jersey? Plus 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 Diego Lorijn discuss: Referees (just wanted to get this out of the way quickly)Gareth Bale's defensive effortReal Madrid's high-line exploitedThe dominoes of the Sergi Roberto red card, and Coutinho leaving the pitch at half-timeBack-and-forth momentum shifts between the two teamsIniesta send-offHistorical clasico heatIvan Rakitic's performanceDiego's concern about Dembele next seasonErnesto Valverde evaluationSergio Ramos's post-game quotesVAR concerns for next seasonCasemiro putting in one of his best performances of the seasonThe top-five managers in world footballGareth Bale's role in the team for the rest of the seasonReal Madrid's style of playMarco Asensio's no-looker, and gradual growth into the gameAnd 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: Dani Ceballos as the team's cogMarcos Llorente's play in a slightly untraditional role for himThe leash needed for the current young playersAchraf Hakimi's performance -- the good, bad, and improvements in certain aspects of his gameBorja Mayoral's isolation, and future ceilingLa Liga vs Champions LeagueKarim Benzema's shooting statisticsAnd a ton more Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon: Pareon.com/ManagingMadrid   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosts Gabe Lezra and Om Arvind answer all of YOUR burning questions about all things Real Madrid. And yes, they do reveal all of the secrets to beating Real Madrid because this is not a Real Madrid supporters show this is a Real Madrid sabotage account.  Some topics include:  Tactical questions ahead of the huge Bayern clash. Who should start? Where should they play?Signing questions--should they stay or should they go? PredictionsAnd much, much 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 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