Real Madrid legend Raul is set to take over at Real Oviedo following Monday’s sacking of Julian Calero.

Calero was dismissed after just 14 games in charge having been appointed in June following Oviedo’s relegation from La Liga.

His team won 2-1 at Cadiz on Saturday and sit ninth in the table but the Pachuca Group, the club’s majority shareholders, have opted to make a change and have turned to Raul to drive their promotion challenge.

For the 49-year-old, it will be a first managerial job at first-team level.

After a glittering playing career spent mostly at Madrid, for whom he made a record 741 appearances in all competitions, as well as spells with Schalke, Al Sadd and the New York Cosmos, he went into coaching with Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve team.

He twice led the team to the play-offs but resigned in 2025 after missing out on the first-team job that went to Xabi Alonso.

He will replace Calero and make his debut on the bench this Saturday when Oviedo host Girona.

Oviedo ditch Calero

A club statement on Monday morning confirmed Calero’s departure. It read: “Real Oviedo has made the decision to terminate Julián Calero’s contract as coach of the first team.

“Calero, who had a contract until June 30, 2027, stops being coach from this moment. Likewise, the coaching staff that accompanies him also ends their link with the club.

“Real Oviedo wants to thank Julián Calero and his coaching staff for their dedication, professionalism and work during their time at the club, wishing them all the best of luck in their professional future.”