Real Madrid legend Raul was announced as the coach of the club’s reserve team, Castilla for the 2019/20 season.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players to don the Los Blancos, Raul scored 323 goals during his time as a player. After gaining coaching experience with the club’s U-18 sides, Raul was deemed fit for a bigger role and hence promoted.
Madrid’s official statement read “Raul will lead Castilla next season. Raul, who has been a coach of Cadete B and Juvenil B, will start a new professional phase at Real Madrid.”
After Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari failed to establish themselves at the club last season, the Spaniard was tipped to take charge. However, he remained in the youth set-up.
Another club legend Zinedine Zidane took charge instead after leaving the club at the beginning of last season following three Champions League titles. The Frenchman too worked with the B team until 2016 when he first got the big job.
Raul’s progress will be carefully monitored , with many believing he can replicate the Frenchman’s exploits.
Castilla managed a top-four finish in Group 1 of Segunda B last season but conceded defeat to Cartagena in the play-offs.
The Spaniard left the club in 2010 as the highest goalscorer in their history but was later surpassed by Cristiano Ronaldo. He won six La Liga and three Champions Leagues titles during his time at the Spanish club.
