Raul appointed Real Oviedo coach after Julian Calero dismissal

Real Oviedo have appointed Raul Gonzalez as head coach on a contract running until June 2028, replacing Julian Calero in Spain's second division. The announcement on Monday, November 9, gives the former Real Madrid and Spain striker his first senior first-team managerial position, following six seasons in charge of Madrid's reserve side.

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BBC Sport reported that Oviedo were ninth when they dismissed Calero. Europa Press said the change followed the thirteenth round of league fixtures, despite a victory at Cadiz on Saturday that left the club only one point outside the promotion playoff places. RTVE reported that Oviedo won that away match 2-1.

The club's separate statement on Calero confirmed that it had terminated his contract, which had been due to run until June 30, 2027. His coaching staff also left the organisation. Oviedo thanked the outgoing manager and his colleagues for their work and professionalism, bringing their time at the club to an immediate end.

Raul, 49, coached Real Madrid Castilla from 2019 to 2025, according to BBC Sport. His move to Oviedo follows that spell developing players in Madrid's reserve team. Europa Press reported that his first match in charge is scheduled for Saturday against Girona at the Carlos Tartiere, giving the new appointment an immediate competitive starting point.

In a video released through Oviedo's social media, Raul outlined an approach combining respect for the squad's ability with a demand for sustained effort, BBC Sport reported. He said the team needed to compete for victory throughout matches and give supporters a side they could take pride in.

His playing career included three Champions League triumphs and six Spanish league titles with Real Madrid, where he scored 323 goals in 741 appearances. He later played for Schalke, Al Sadd and New York Cosmos, and scored 44 times in 102 appearances for Spain. Those achievements now form the background to a different assignment: taking over an Oviedo team close to the second division's playoff positions.