Raúl González leads Real Oviedo as new coach amid promotion push

Raúl González has been appointed head coach of Real Oviedo, the Asturias club owned by Grupo Pachuca, marking the former Real Madrid forward’s first senior managerial role. The 49‑year‑old was presented on Monday as the new coach. The Futbol bulletin confirmed the appointment.

Real Oviedo, currently ninth in the Spanish second division after a recent three‑point win over Cádiz, decided to part ways with Julian Calero, whose contract had run until summer 2027. The board, led by Jesús Martínez, said a new impulse was essential for a decisive push for promotion.

Grupo Pachuca, the majority shareholder, expressed full confidence in González, whose coaching résumé includes a lengthy spell in Real Madrid’s youth system and a tenure with Real Madrid Castilla from 2019 to June 2025. The group also previously employed Serbia national team manager Veljko Paunovic, underscoring its experience with high‑profile coaches.

González’s son, Héctor González, joined the club’s B team last summer from Cádiz and now plays as a midfielder in the reserve side. Raúl completed his first training session at the club’s El Requexón facilities.

Upcoming debut against Girona

His first competitive match will be on 14 November at the Carlos Tartiere stadium against Girona, a direct rival level on points and eager to bounce back after a defeat to Almería. The fixture is described as a crucial duel between promotion aspirants.

While many had expected González eventually to return to the Santiago Bernabéu, he will now test his tactical model in one of Europe’s most demanding leagues. The club hopes his winning DNA will drive the final assault on the Primera División.