Managing Madrid Podcast

In our latest podcast episode, hosted by Hridyam Arora and Sam Sharpe, we talk about Castilla’s season in a nutshell, how important it is for a squad rebuild, Raul’s legacy as a coach, and the main reason for Castilla’s dormancy. Here is a sneak peek of what we talk about:

Would this season be considered a success or a failure for the team and Raul?

Judging by the quality this year’s Castilla side boast, would a 10th-placed finish really be considered a success, or is there work ahead for Raul and the boys?

Who stays at Castilla next season?

There are a lot of players who should leave either because they are too good, or they are not good enough, and there are a lot of players who fall into that category.

What is next for Raul?

Raul has, frankly, stayed for a very long time at the club. He has done a phenomenal job at Real Madrid Castilla, and it is understandable to see why he would not want to leave, but is that reason really enough?

The importance of signing new players immediately

We discuss the importance of external talent, not just for Castilla, but for Real Madrid as an entire club. Why is it so important?

Discussing who to keep, and why to keep them

There are players like Manuel Angel who have just had their first year at Castilla, and with a bit more of experience under their belt, they will start to truly blossom as players. Who is on the short, short list of players to keep?

Where is reinforcement needed?

We talk about the positions where Castilla need to sign players before anything else.

And a lot more.

Join the Conversation

Connect with other Real Madrid fans on our Real Madrid Discord Channel. Managing Madrid is your go-to hub for the latest news, in-depth analyses, and community discussions. Your support enables us to continue delivering high-quality content and engaging podcasts.

Hridyam Arora @hridarora

Sam Sharpe @CastillaStats

Managing Madrid is powered by a dedicated team, committed to bringing you the best Real Madrid content. Your contributions are invaluable in keeping this platform running smoothly.

Stay tuned for more exclusive content, and thank you for being a part of our community!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of The Real Deal podcast, we’re joined by Hridyam Arora to talk about Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen. We discuss Alonso’s tactical versatility, in-game adaptability, and revitalization of Leverkusen just months into the job.

We examine how Xabi has implemented dynamic, possession-based football in his own visionary style while still adapting to the opposition whenever needed. We also highlight the key talents like Frimpong, Wirtz, Boniface and Grimaldo that are thriving in Alonso’s system.

From midfield maestro to managerial wunderkind, we evaluate how Alonso’s flexible approach, attention to detail, and football IQ make him a fascinating case study for modern coaching strategy. With his pedigree and early success, the sky is the limit for Xabi Alonso’s budding career on the sidelines.

Find us on X, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok at @realdealpods for more takes and banter between episodes on our Managing Madrid Spotify feed!

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)

Hridyam Arora (@Hridarora22)

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 center-back options for Real Madrid. Also:

• 3 very under-the-radar options
• The best center-back in the world and how much he'd cost
• Why didn't Real Madrid go for Sergio Ramos?
• The top-5 center-back options that are realistic
• 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 Tafro discuss Real Madrid's 1-3 win over Levante Badalona in Liga F.

Talking points:

• How predictable have Toril’s lineups become?
• Conceding from a set piece...again
• Lack of presence from Eva Navarro and the effect of the passive right flank
• Antonia’s first start
• How the introduction of Feller in the second half changed the game
• Alba Redondo’s first goals in the league and first brace in white
• Athenea’s injury and her availability throughout the years
• Who should take Athenea’s place - Navarro or Feller?
• MVP of the match
• Rocío’s 100th game for Real Madrid
• Problems of a professional league

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

While Xabi Alonso’s success at Bayer Leverkusen has created a compelling narrative about his potential return to the Bernabéu, the tactical reality might tell a different story. Alonso’s 2nd full season at Leverkusen has started off rough with the German outfit experiencing 5 draws and a loss in their first 10 Bundesliga games. New central midfield signing Aleix García has, as of November 11th, been benched and not been fully integrated.

In this episode, Siddharth Ramsundar is joined by new guest Ardit Karagjyzi (known on twitter as Loconté) to dive deep beyond narratives into Alonso’s coaching philosophy at Leverkusen, analyzing his reliance on physicality and athleticism, his game-state dependent approach, heavy reliance on width and surprising similarities to Carlo Ancelotti’s reactive style. From his width-oriented 3-at-the-back system in possession to his unique usage of players like Xhaka and Boniface, we examine how his tactical setup might translate to Real Madrid’s context. We ponder his current limitations, questioning whether his emphasis on off-ball structure over possession mastery makes him the ideal candidate to lead Los Blancos into their next era.

Our guest Ardit presents a detailed critique of Alonso’s tactical approach, highlighting concerns about defensive structure and over-reliance on athleticism, while Sid offers a contrasting perspective on why these elements might actually benefit Madrid. The discussion extends to fascinating comparisons with other potential candidates, such as praising Klopp’s intensity and questioning its toll on players, pondering whether Julian Nagelsmann was hard done at Bayern, while asking whether Alonso’s pressing philosophy might offer advantages over even Zidane’s reliable approach. Through this debate, we examine whether Madrid truly needs a revolutionary change or if Alonso’s evolution of the current system, combined with improved pressing and tactical flexibility, could be the perfect balance for the club’s future.

This nuanced analysis goes beyond surface-level narratives to explore what Real Madrid genuinely requires in its next managerial appointment, offering listeners a comprehensive view of one of football’s most intriguing discussions: who should next coach Real Madrid?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices