Real Oviedo Appoints Raul Gonzalez Blanco After Calero's Departure

Real Oviedo have moved with ruthless speed.

Julian Calero was sacked on Monday, barely days after a 2-1 win over Cadiz that, on the surface, suggested a team turning a corner. Instead, it marked the end of the Spanish coach’s brief, four‑month tenure and opened the door for one of the game’s great modern icons.

All roads now point to Raul Gonzalez Blanco.

Spanish newspaper “Marca” reports that the Oviedo hierarchy have already settled on the former Real Madrid captain as Calero’s successor. Within the Pachuca group, which owns the Asturian club, Raul is more than just a famous name. Jesus Martinez, the group’s president, is said to value the ex-striker’s character, elite pedigree and reading of the game — qualities Oviedo believe can jolt the project onto a higher plane.

This is not a cold, opportunistic hire. Raul has a personal thread tying him to the club: his son is part of the Vetusta set-up, Oviedo’s reserve side. The move would bring the family’s footballing story under one roof, from the stands to the touchline.

Oviedo made Calero’s exit official in a statement on Monday, confirming the termination of a contract that was supposed to run until 30 June 2027. His entire coaching staff were also dismissed. The club expressed gratitude for their work, but the timing and decisiveness of the call left no doubt: sentiment will not slow this project.

Calero will not lead the team out at the “Carlos Tartiere” on Saturday against Girona. By then, the board intend to have the final paperwork wrapped up and a new era ready to begin.

If, as expected, Raul steps into the technical area, one question will hang over the stadium: can a legend of the game turn his aura into promotion momentum in Asturias?