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Managing Madrid

https://www.managingmadrid.com/ | 807 entries published

Dominating European football since March 6th 1902

Latest Entries

Mourinho: “There’s only one objective” ahead of Benfica vs Real Madrid

José Mourinho spoke to the media today in his pre-game press conference ahead of tomorrow’s Benfica vs Real Madrid clash, addressing the unpredictability of football, his mindset for the match, and several topics related to former players and colleagues. Below are Mourinho’s full quotes from the press conference. On the challenge of predicting the game […]

8 days ago | 0 reads

Alvaro Carreras: “I like pressure, I’m comfortable with it”

Real Madrid left-back Alvaro Carreras spoke to the media ahead of the club’s match against his former team, Benfica, on Wednesday. He was asked about high pressure and criticism, to which he said: “I’ve played for the best club in Portugal, and now for the best club in the world. And I understand that’s how […]

8 days ago | 2 reads

Alvaro Arbeloa: “Jose Mourinho is much more than just a coach to me”

Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media ahead of their game against Benfica on Wednesday. He was asked about whether he saw Jose Mourinho’s press conference and what he said about him, to which he said: “Yes, yes, of course. I didn’t miss the manager’s press conference. I didn’t miss them when […]

8 days ago | 1 read

Lyon Coach Fonseca Wants to Extend Endrick Loan

According to ESPN Brazil, Lyon head coach Paulo Fonseca has already asked the club’s hierarchy to explore options to keep Endrick beyond the current agreement, impressed by his immediate influence and efficiency in front of goal. Endrick’s early impact at Lyon has not changed Real Madrid’s long-term stance. Fabrizio Romano reports that the club’s board […]

8 days ago | 0 reads

Mastantuono: “Arbeloa and his coaching staff gave me a lot of confidence”

Real Madrid attacker Franco Mastantuono talked to DSport and shared his thoughts on his first few months as a madridista. Mastantuono praised Arbeloa and thanked Xabi for believing in him when the club was considering his signing. “Álvaro and his entire coaching staff gave me a lot of confidence, which I believe is key for […]

8 days ago | 0 reads

Angel di Maria: “Mastantuono is more talented and a better dribbler than me”

Ángel Di María spoke at length in an interview with AS, reflecting on his career path, his time at Real Madrid, the managers who influenced him most, and several current figures in world football. From Benfica to Real Madrid Di María recalled his development in Portugal and the moment Real Madrid entered the picture. “I […]

8 days ago | 0 reads

Real Madrid announce squad for Champions League match against Benfica

Real Madrid have published their squad list for Wednesday’s match against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League. REAL MADRID SQUAD LIST:Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin and Fran González.Defenders: Carvajal, Alaba, Asencio, Carreras, Fran García, Huijsen and Diego Aguado.Midfielders: Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Arda Güler, Ceballos and Cestero.Attackers: Vini Jr., Mbappé, Rodrygo, Gonzalo, Brahim and Mastantuono. Tchouameni returns to the list after missing […]

8 days ago | 0 reads

OPEN THREAD — Reduction In Force: 27 Jan. 2026

Welcome to The Daily Merengue — a place where you can feel free to discuss all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name! Shoutout to the Mods who do a fantastic job, Valyrian Steel, Ezek XI, KungFuZizou, NeRObutBlanco, Felipejack, and Juninho. A Collection of Memos Writer’s Prelude. Today’s memo […]

9 days ago | 0 reads

Managing Madrid Podcast: Benfica vs Real Madrid Preview, Champions League 2025 – 2026

AUDIO: VIDEO: On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani is joined by Adrian Sousa of Rabona TV to help us preview Benfica vs Real Madrid this Wednesday. 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 […]

NFL

9 days ago | 2 reads

Jorge Valdano Praises Arbeloa’s Impact and Points to Shift in Real Madrid’s Mentality

Jorge Valdano offered a revealing assessment of Real Madrid’s recent performance on Deporte Plus+, focusing less on tactics and more on something he believes has clearly changed: the team’s emotional and psychological state under Álvaro Arbeloa. Reflecting on the win over Villarreal, Valdano highlighted the level of collective engagement he saw from the opening whistle […]

9 days ago | 1 read

Rüdiger Steps Up Recovery as Real Madrid Prepare for Benfica Clash

Real Madrid returned to training at Valdebebas on Monday under rainy conditions, with the biggest takeaway being Antonio Rüdiger’s partial reintegration into group work. The German centre-back trained alongside his teammates for part of the session, a clear sign that his comeback is getting closer, even if it won’t come in time for the trip […]

9 days ago | 0 reads

Referee named for Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid

UEFA have appointed Italian referee Davide Massa as the man in charge of Wednesday’s match between Benfica and Real Madrid, which will be played in Lisbon (21:00 CET). Per Realmadrid.comDavide Massa will referee the match between Real Madrid and Benfica, on matchday eight of the Champions League, which will be played at the Estadio da Luz (Wednesday, 9 pm […]

9 days ago | 1 read

OPEN THREAD — The RM Industry: 26 Jan. 2026

Welcome to The Daily Merengue — a place where you can feel free to discuss all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name! Shoutout to the Mods who do a fantastic job, Valyrian Steel, Ezek XI, KungFuZizou, NeRObutBlanco, Felipejack, and Juninho. Word From Author: A Collection of Memos Writer’s […]

10 days ago | 0 reads

Madrid Look “Plugged In” Under Arbeloa

It’s early, but Madrid look far more engaged under Álvaro Arbeloa than during the final months of Xabi Alonso’s tenure. The change is visible in energy, focus, and collective discipline. Arbeloa’s approach has been straightforward: simple game plans, defined responsibilities, and confidence in the squad. Rather than constant tactical experimentation, he has emphasized clarity and […]

10 days ago | 1 read

Milan Interested in Mario Gila; Madrid Hold Buy-Back Option

According to reports from Ramón Álvarez de Mon, AC Milan are exploring a move to sign Mario Gila from Lazio for around €20 million. Real Madrid retain a buy-back clause of approximately €10 million, giving them the option to intervene. Gila has established himself as a key starter under Maurizio Sarri and recently earned a […]

10 days ago | 0 reads

Valdano: Arbeloa “Working Very Well on Confidence and Motivation”

Speaking on Movistar+, Jorge Valdano highlighted a visible shift in the squad’s mentality under Álvaro Arbeloa. “Arbeloa is working very well on the confidence and motivation of the players,” Valdano said, pointing to a psychological reset within the group. He contrasted the current environment with the final stretch of Xabi Alonso’s tenure. “That didn’t happen […]

10 days ago | 1 read

Drawing Board: Mbappe Playfully Trolling Brahim

Welcome to our drawing board, where our resident cartoonist, Finn (@Finn_Madridista), will sling out some dope and exclusive art for you — usually on the back of a big moment that’s captured our attention in the Real Madrid world. Here’s Finn’s latest drawing, and if you ever want to look back at Finn’s previous (and amazing) work, […]

10 days ago | 0 reads

Endrick Announces Himself: Hat-Trick Powers Lyon Past Metz

Endrick’s Ligue 1 introduction has escalated from promising to spectacular in record time. Olympique Lyonnais ran riot in a 5–2 away victory over Metz on Sunday, and at the center of it all was the Brazilian teenager, who delivered a stunning hat-trick to cap a perfect start to his Lyon career. A Statement Performance Lyon […]

10 days ago | 1 read

Managing Madrid Podcast | Madrid Mornings: Professional win (@Villarreal, 0-2)

In this episode of Madrid Mornings, Lucas shares his thoughts on Real Madrid’s victory over Villarreal in La Liga. CLICK HERE FOR ACCESS 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 […]

NFL

10 days ago | 1 read

Open Thread: 25 January 2026

The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to d all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name! Shoutout to the mods who do a fantastic job, Ezek, Valyrian Steel, Kung_Fu_Zizou, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco and yours truly, Felipejack. Victory! Villarreal is usually a tough opponent. We won and kept a clean […]

11 days ago | 0 reads

Player Ratings: Villarreal 0–2 Real Madrid

Player Ratings: Villarreal 0–2 Real Madrid Thibaut Courtois — 8Had very little to do. Faced just one shot and dealt with it comfortably. Also came off his line decisively to snuff out a Villarreal break, with solid distribution throughout. Fede Valverde — 7Quiet by his standards but dependable. Didn’t push forward much, with Franco Mastantuono […]

11 days ago | 2 reads

Alvaro Arbeloa: “The commitment of the players is undeniable”

Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media after their 2-0 win over Villarreal on Saturday. He was asked about how the players played a complete game, to which he said: “Well, we saw it last Wednesday, it wasn’t that long ago. It’s felt like a long time ago! The players’ commitment is […]

11 days ago | 0 reads

Three questions and three answers from Villarreal 0-2 Real Madrid

Real Madrid made it three wins in a row as they scored twice in the second half with Kylian Mbappé poaching in the box and then winning and converting a penalty to beat third-placed Villarreal 2-0 in La Liga action on Saturday night. Three answers 1. Would Tuesday night prove to be a turning point? […]

11 days ago | 0 reads