Raúl is back: the Real Madrid legend takes charge of Oviedo

Raúl González has found his first professional job in the dugout. The Real Madrid legend was presented on Tuesday as the new coach of Real Oviedo, who are chasing a return to La Liga (Spain's top flight).

"We have signed more than a coach," said sporting director David Fernández. Raúl reportedly signed until 2028.

What happened?

Raúl met his new players on Tuesday morning, including the captains. Before this, he coached Real Madrid's youth sides, and he left the reserve team, Castilla, in June 2025.

Oviedo dismissed Julián Calero even though the team had just won at Cádiz. The board lost confidence in him, and Raúl takes over.

"After a time without coaching, I was hoping to choose a place with tradition and a city that is passionate about football," he said. "What I was looking for, I found in Oviedo." He praised a serious ownership and the club's training complex.

What does he think of the squad?

Raúl likes what he has seen so far: a team that is intense, aggressive, vertical and knows how to defend. He also sees a good balance between youth and experience.

He wants a side that makes the fans feel something. Players will need to be convinced of his ideas step by step, he said, and he will bring back some things from his earlier coaching spell.

"Segunda is a very tough competition," he added, referring to Spain's second division, where Oviedo landed after finishing the 2025-26 season in the relegation places.

What's next?

Oviedo are ninth, just one point off the promotion playoff places. The first test comes on Saturday at 21:00 at the Carlos Tartiere, against Girona.

Girona are another relegated side with promotion hopes, and they are eighth on the same points as Oviedo. "This is about results," Raúl said. The aim is simple: be well placed to fight for a return to the top flight.