Raul Gonzalez emerges as contender for Real Oviedo job amid doubts over Julian Calero

Real Oviedo are considering whether to dismiss head coach Julian Calero despite their recent victory over Cadiz, with former Real Madrid striker and club legend Raul Gonzalez Blanco emerging as a possible replacement.

Spanish newspaper Marca reports that confidence in Calero has declined in recent weeks, and that Oviedo’s board has not ruled out making a change in the dugout. The win over Cadiz in the Spanish second division provided some relief in the league table, but it did not erase the disappointing results that preceded it.

Calero’s position had already come under pressure following Oviedo’s elimination from the Copa del Rey by Numancia, who compete in the Spanish third division. The team’s unconvincing performance against Las Palmas also increased scrutiny on the manager.

The club’s hierarchy is understood to believe the squad has enough technical quality to achieve better results than those delivered so far this season. That assessment has intensified the debate over whether Calero remains the right person to lead the side.

The match against Cadiz represented an opportunity for Calero to rebuild the confidence of the decision-makers. However, the performance was not considered convincing enough to settle the uncertainty surrounding his future, meaning he could still leave despite the victory.

Raul Gonzalez Blanco is now among the names being considered should Oviedo decide to part company with Calero. The former Real Madrid player is highly regarded by Jesus Martinez, president of the Pachuca Group, which owns the club.

Martinez reportedly values Raul’s character, footballing experience and deep understanding of the game. Those qualities have made him a leading option if Oviedo opt to appoint a new head coach.

Raul also has a direct connection with Real Oviedo beyond the interest from the club’s ownership. His son plays for Vetusta, the club’s affiliated team, keeping the former Spain international closely linked to Oviedo.

That relationship could become another factor in the possibility of Raul returning to coaching through the first team. However, the club has yet to make a final decision on Calero’s future, and the recent win over Cadiz has not removed the doubts about his position.