Raul leaves Real Madrid Castilla role with immediate effect
Raul has decided to step down from his role coaching Real Madrid's Castilla side with immediate effect.
The club legend has been in charge of the Spanish side's second team since 2019, but has decided to leave the position.
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The 47-year-old had been named as an outside contender to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who has stepped down from the senior side to take charge of Brazil. Xabi Alonso has since been appointed as head coach, joining Los Blancos from Bayer Leverkusen.
Raul could now pursue a first senior position, having spent six seasons in charge of the club's Castilla side. During his time with the team, he oversaw the progress of Fran Garcia and Raul Asencio to the first team.
In 2024/25, Castilla failed to achieve to play-off promotion to the Segunda Division and finished in sixth position in the table.
On Raul's exit, a club statement read: 'Real Madrid C.F. announces that Raul has informed the club of his decision to end his time as a coach at our youth academy.
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'Real Madrid is proud to have had one of the greatest legends in our history and world football as a coach and trainer at our youth academy.
'Raul also exemplifies all the values of Real Madrid. Values that he has also passed on as a coach: he coached Cadete B (U15s) and Juvenil B (U18s) in the 2018-2019 season. Since then, he has coached Castilla. In August 2020, he also coached Juvenil A (U19s), the team that won the Youth League.
'Raul will always be in the hearts of all madridistas, and Real Madrid will always be his home.
'Real Madrid wishes Raul and his family all the best in this new stage of his life.'
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Read – 90s Hitmen: Raul – Real Madrid and Champions League royalty
See more – Alonso sets sights on Leverkusen duo after agreeing Real Madrid move
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