Managing Madrid Podcast

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani discusses: Real Madrid's defensive issues Lucas Vazquez Vinicius Jr getting rested Raul Asencio Real Madrid's midfield getting overrun (tonight but also often) Rodrygo Goes's performance Arda Güler's performance And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. Join our Real Madrid Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/rTD2PmE26f 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: Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode Siddharth Ramsundar is joined by Joel Adejola to explore how and why Kylian Mbappé has had early adaptation challenges at Real Madrid. We analyze the technical, tactical, and psychological elements that have contributed to his funk - from the complexities of integrating into Ancelotti’s system, physical issues, the absence of a 9 and the challenge of playing without Kroos’ buildup expertise. Beyond just diagnosing the issues, we examine the specific tweaks and adjustments that have slowly helped unlock Mbappé’s natural game while maintaining Madrid’s existing strengths. The discussion ranges from granular tactical analysis of his positioning and movement to broader questions about how superstars adapt to new environments. The episode also gets into the concept of a ‘funk’ from both a generic perspective across sports and takes a more specific look at the mathematics and trends behind finishing funks in front of goal, revisiting past examples like Benzema in 2018. We briefly discuss how we get over funks as individuals and how players in other sports like tennis have a slightly easier task than footballers. We also discuss the psychology of Mbappe having to play on a team in which he’s not the best player, and question whether he will ever be the best player for a Real Madrid team that has Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. Lastly, the episode forecasts Mbappe’s future at Real Madrid. If you’re interested in an abstract exploration of football that’s niche and specific without being a regurgitated form of ‘mainstream tactics’ then check out what Joel is building further at Ballerz Bantz. Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. Join our Real Madrid Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/rTD2PmE26f 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: Siddharth Ramsundar (tacticalfouling) Joel Adejola (JoelAdejola) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a recently released exclusive Members-only podcast on Patreon, Managing Madrid’s Kiyan Sobhani and Lucas Navarrete went through the weekly Real Madrid mailbag and answered questions sent in from Real Madrid fans. This particular clip is a question about whether or not Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham can crack the all-time Real Madrid XI by the time they retire. For those eager to get a taste of the insightful conversation, Managing Madrid has provided a free 12-minute clip from the 36-minute episode. The full episode was recorded in front of a live virtual audience. FULL EPISODE HERE Join the Managing Madrid Community Listeners and watchers are encouraged to sign up as a Member on Patreon to ensure they don’t miss out on the bonus content that Managing Madrid posts multiple times per week. Membership provides access to exclusive podcasts, in-depth analyses, and other premium content that is not available elsewhere. To listen to the full episode, head over to Managing Madrid on Patreon. Stay connected and never miss an update! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a recently released exclusive Members-only podcast on Patreon, Managing Madrid’s Kiyan Sobhani, Jose Perez, and Siddharth Ramsundar, took a deep dive into Real Madrid’s 2 - 3 win over Atalanta in Bergamot. They analyzed all of the X’s and O’s of the match. Audio version: For those eager to get a taste of the insightful conversation, Managing Madrid has provided a free 10-minute clip from the 50-minute episode. The full episode was recorded in front of a live virtual audience. FULL EPISODE HERE Join the Managing Madrid Community Listeners and watchers are encouraged to sign up as a Member on Patreon to ensure they don’t miss out on the bonus content that Managing Madrid posts multiple times per week. Membership provides access to exclusive podcasts, in-depth analyses, and other premium content that is not available elsewhere. To listen to the full episode, head over to Managing Madrid on Patreon. Stay connected and never miss an update! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Las Blancas podcast, hosts Yash and Kanita discuss Real Madrid’s 4-1 win against Sevilla, the international break, and FIFPRO Women’s World 11. Talking points: Postponed Real Sociedad game Toril's team selection Redondo and Bruun together Redondo as #10 All four goals coming from the edge or outside the box Sevilla's box defending Sheila Garcia's versatility Use of substitutes by Toril Paula Partido's performance Lucia Corrales playing out of position Two Madridistas in FIFPRO World XI International break recap Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon for more bonus content: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid 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 its podcasts, going. Hosts this week: Yash Thakur (@Odriozolite) Kanita Tafro (@KaniFroh) Las Blancas (@Las_Blancas) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Jose Perez discuss: What’s changed since the Super Cup matchup between Atalanta and Real Madrid? How Atalanta’s press has changed Their red-hot form CDK - Retegui - Lookman Will Vinicius Jr feature? Importance of Jude Bellingham And more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. 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: Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) Jose Perez (@Jcperez_) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Mehedi Hassan discuss: Real Madrid' starting XI vs Girona Aurelien Tchouami at center-back The performances of Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Luka Modric, and more. The injuries in the second half Real Madrid's struggles in the first half And much more Join our Real Madrid Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/rTD2PmE26f Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. 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: Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) Mehedi Hassan (@MHassanFootball) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Mehedi Hassan discuss: Carlo Ancelotti's press conference quotes today Kylian Mbappe's performance before getting injured before the Atletico Madrid game Mbappe's 'PSG tax' Do Real Madrid lack an enforcer? A leader? Mbappe's upcoming interview with Canal + New Champions League format Could Zinedine Zidane get a better version of Kylian Mbappe? Lack of fullback production Who will be the core players in 10 years? Trent Alexander-Arnold What happened to Casemiro and Raphael Varane? Cristiano Ronaldo vs ETH The penalty situation And much more. Join our Real Madrid Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/rTD2PmE26f Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. 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: Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) Mehedi Hassan (@MHassanFootball) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Link to Toronto event: https://tinyurl.com/bdr54xdw On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Jose Perez discuss: Real Madrid’s ball progression struggles How Carlo Ancelotti set up the team at San Mames vs Athletic Club Rodrygo Goes's return Kylian Mbappe’s confidence PLUMMETING Jude Bellingham’s performance Fede Valverde tasked heavily Much more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. 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: Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) Jose Perez (@Jcperez_) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Link to Toronto event: https://tinyurl.com/bdr54xdw On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Siddharth Ramsundar discuss: Real Madrid’s formation vs Getafe Getafe’s physicality Jude Bellingham’s performance Kylian Mbappe. His performance against Getafe, his performances this season, and the Bernabeu Mbappe experience Fran Garcia Raul Asencio Dani Ceballos, running the show Much more. Join our Real Madrid Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/rTD2PmE26f Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. 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: Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) Siddharth Ramsundar (@Tacticalfouling) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Castilla Corner podcast, Hridyam Arora and Sam Sharpe discuss: Reviewing Real Madrid Castilla’s loaned out / sold players Mario Gila and Rafa Marin — should Real Madrid call any of them back? Mario De Luis — what has happened? Why is he still at the club and why is he not playing? Mario Rivas — how good is he? Nico Paz vs Sergio Arribas — who is the better player and who has chosen the better pathway? Is there anything changing in relation to Castilla Corner? And much more. Join our Real Madrid Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/rTD2PmE26f 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: Sam Sharpe (@CastillaStats) Hridyam Arora (@hridarora) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani, live from Anfield, discusses his thoughts on: Carlo Ancelotti and Arne Slot's pre-game quotes Kylian Mbappe -- the time is now What Real Madrid have improved on in the last two games Vibes from Anfield Ancelotti's potential XI The new Champions League format And more. Join our Real Madrid Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/rTD2PmE26f Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. 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: Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Castilla Corner podcast, Hridyam Arora and Sam Sharpe discuss: Real Madrid Castilla’s 2-1 loss to Antequera Standouts from the game vs the top-ranked team of the group Castilla’s 2-2 draw with Fuenlabrada Raul Asencio’s second appearance for the first team How will he do against Liverpool? The baffling decision to not pick a Castilla (or Fabrica) right-back for Leganes And much more. Join our Real Madrid Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/rTD2PmE26f 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: Sam Sharpe (@CastillaStats) Hridyam Arora (@hridarora) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Link to Toronto event: https://tinyurl.com/bdr54xdw On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani, Matt Wiltse, and Mehedi Hassan discuss: Performances of Raul Asencio and Dani Ceballos vs Leganes Jude Bellingham Finally.. balance! Should Aurelien Tchoumani and Lucas Vazquez return to the lineup if healthy? Assessment of Kylian Mbappe’s performance and the Vinicius Jr connection / positioning Florentino Perez's quotes at AGM The profit margin of concerts and the revenue of the stadium And more Join our Real Madrid Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/rTD2PmE26f Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. 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: Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) Matt Wiltse (@Matt_MM) Mehedi Hassan (@MHassanFootball) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Las Blancas podcast, hosts Yash Thakur and Kanita Tafro discuss Real Madrid’s first away win in six games in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Talking points: Alberto Toril makes another five changes The best attacking quartet at Madrid? Madrid’s poor form away from home in the UWCL Can Real Madrid ever defend set-pieces? FC Twente’s brilliant press again An evenly contested first half Linda Caicedo’s threat from ball carries Caicedo’s brilliant performance Is Alba Redondo best utilized as an impact sub Amanda Andradottir causing problems from the left Maelle Lakrar voted as the Player of the Month in October Lakrar’s exceptional defensive game Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon for more bonus content: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid 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 its podcasts, going. Hosts this week: Yash Thakur (@Odriozolite) Kanita Tafro (@KaniFroh) Las Blancas (@Las_Blancas) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When extreme success breeds complacency, even giants need updating. We dive deep into Real Madrid’s organizational structure and why it’s due for an overhaul. From medical modernization to youth development, from recruitment processes to power dynamics - everything’s on the table. We explore why Real Madrid needs system-wide updates: LA FABRICA AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: La Fabrica needs to successfully produce role players for the first team at a much better rate, which would give the first team better injury insurance Why did Raul Asencio not have any prominence at the club until his assist for the first team? Did nobody notice that he was good? Building a true development pipeline requires investing in world-class youth coaches The current pay grade for youth team leads surely isn’t attracting top talents Creating a consistent playing philosophy from academy to first team would help, but is not required MEDICAL AND PERFORMANCE: Modern football demands a complete medical overhaul Why paying top dollar for medical leadership is as crucial as signing stars: players and coaches won’t take a medical guy seriously because their own jobs are on the line. Increasing pay gives the medical leadership more legitimacy and authority. The outdated approach to player health and recovery HUMAN-CENTRIC APPROACH: The unsustainability of having Valverde, Jude and others cover defensive duties for everyone Why burning out your most versatile players isn’t a long-term solution Creating balanced tactical systems that don’t overstress certain players The need for collective defensive responsibility LEADERSHIP EVOLUTION: Florentino’s increasing perfectionism with age How the pursuit of perfection can paradoxically block innovation by making you stick to your old systems The challenge of introducing new paradigms to established leadership Why self-preservation politics grows stronger in aging organizations, and is particularly prevalent at sports teams where everyone is worried about getting fired INSTITUTIONAL INNOVATION: Why sports teams lag behind Fortune 500s in innovation The mismatch between available resources and institutional innovation is large in sports Owners of sports teams typically permit worser standards of execution across the board at the sports team than they do at their own successful companies Innovation happens out of necessity, and usually comes with copying others: rare for a team to adopt an approach purely out of a desire to be ahead unless they copy it from the next team Successful innovation models: Kansas City Chiefs, Golden State Warriors Managing superstar egos while implementing systematic changes The need for a biology-centric leader to innovate going forward Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Link to Toronto event: https://tinyurl.com/bdr54xdw On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Leah Revelle discuss the best and most realistic left-back options for Real Madrid. Also: Two standout candidates What will happen with Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia? And much more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Join us on Patreon for Wednesday night’s live Zoom call (El Clasico post-game podcast): Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. Join our Real Madrid Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/rTD2PmE26f 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 its podcasts, going. Hosts this week: Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) Leah Revelle (@leahrevelle) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Las Blancas podcast, hosts Yash Thakur and Kanita discuss Real Madrid’s 0-4 loss to Barcelona. Talking points: Toril’s weird lineup selection Angeldahl at the wings with two wingers on the bench? Formation change in big games Lack of cohesion in the side Inability to defend set-pieces and have a coherent press 0 out of three wins in big games this season Inability to deal with Barcelona’s press Has there been any improvements over the years under Toril? How second half subs helped us play Linda Caicedo and Toletti’s impact in second half Impact of these consistent big game losses? Is it time for a change? Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon for more bonus content: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid 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 its podcasts, going. Hosts this week: Yash Thakur (@Odriozolite) Kanita Tafro (@KaniFroh) Las Blancas (@Las_Blancas) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani is joined by special guest Michael Sartain to talk about the greatness of Luka Doncic, how his career has panned out so far, the future of sports media, and a ton more. Join our Real Madrid Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/rTD2PmE26f Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. 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: Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) Michael Sartain (@MichaelSartain) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Las Blancas podcast hosts Yash Thakur and Kanita Tafro discuss Real Madrid’s 7-0 goleada against FC Twente in UEFA Women’s Champions League. Talking points: Another six lineup changes from Toril Best attacking quartet in the squad right now? Two early goals from Real Madrid changing the game FC Twente’s young squad FC Twente’s impressive player-to-player marking scheme How Twente forced us to go direct and disrupted our buildup Importance of Bruun in offering a different approach Drop off from Twente in the second half Four out of five goals in second half from set-pieces Maria Mendez brace and Oihane’s goal on transition Weir’s world and that impressive freekick The return from injury for Sandie Toletti and Carla Camacho Carla Camacho’s late goal The situation with our fullbacks Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon for more bonus content: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid 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 its podcasts, going. Hosts this week: Yash Thakur (@Odriozolite) Kanita Tafro (@KaniFroh) Las Blancas (@Las_Blancas) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices