Raul lands first senior manager role as club ruthlessly sack boss

Real Oviedo have appointed Raul as their new manager on a two-year deal. The Real Madrid legend has replaced Julian Calero in the dugout following his brutal sacking on Monday. Calero was dismissed by the Segunda Division outfit despite overseeing a 2-1 win at Cadiz on Saturday. The victory proved to be the final match of his tenure, having only been appointed in the summer. Oviedo have confirmed Calero’s coaching staff have also departed the club. The 56-year-old had been under contract until the end of the season. His side had previously been knocked out of the Copa del Rey by fourth-tier Numancia last month. Meanwhile, Oviedo find themselves ninth in the table following their relegation last season. After 13 matches, they sit a point outside the play-off positions and six adrift of the top two. Oviedo are aiming to secure promotion back to the top-flight after suffering relegation on their long-awaited return . Last season marked the club’s first LaLiga campaign for 24 years, but ended with them 13 points from safety in last place. Raul has now taken on his first senior managerial role, with his contract running until the summer of 2028. His opening match in charge will come at home to Girona on Saturday. Raul’s coaching career The 49-year-old has previously worked with Real Madrid’s academy and reserve sides since retiring in 2015. Raul returned to the club in 2018 as a youth team coach before spells managing the Under-18s, Under-19s and Castilla side. Having guided the Under-19s to UEFA Youth League glory in 2020 he remained in charge of Real Madrid Castilla until departing at the end of the 2024/25 season. The three-time Champions League winner is Los Blancos’ all-time leading appearance maker with 741. Raul also scored 323 goals for the Spanish giants as well as winning six LaLiga titles. He also had spells with Schalke, Al Sadd and New York Cosmos before hanging up his boots aged 38. At international level, the centre-forward scored 44 goals in 102 caps for Spain.