Raúl González Blanco has officially identified promotion to the Primera División as the primary objective for Real Oviedo.
During his introductory press conference at the Carlos Tartiere stadium, the new head coach emphasized that his tenure is focused on restoring the club to the top flight of Spanish football.
“We will try to be well-positioned and we will fight for the goal, which has to be to be in the First Division,” Raúl stated. The former Real Madrid Castilla coach acknowledged that he arrives at a critical point in the season, noting that he chose the project after consultations with sporting director David Fernández and former teammates such as Santi Cazorla and César Martín.
Raúl arrives with the mandate to improve the team’s current standing without discarding the foundational work of his predecessor. Given the density of the upcoming schedule, the manager noted that he does not intend to start from scratch. “We want to create an identity; we will take the good things that are there, because there is no time to prepare,” he said.
Tactically, the manager described himself as an advocate for a “vertical, aggressive” style of play that prioritizes scoring while maintaining defensive discipline. He declined to commit to a fixed formation, noting that he intends to adapt his structure based on the specific characteristics of his players and the requirements of each opponent. This includes the possibility of utilizing a three-man defensive line.
The manager’s first priority is Saturday’s match against Girona. While he expressed satisfaction with the squad’s training sessions, he will be without Enzo Pérez for the weekend fixture.
The player is currently on duty with the Spanish U-19 national team. “I am sad not to have him against Girona,” Raúl said. “He is with the national team, and I hope he does very well and returns healthy.”
Raúl confirmed that he has already met with the team’s captains to gauge their perspective on the current state of the locker room.
When asked about potential reinforcements during the January transfer window, he opted to delay any decisions until he has gained a more thorough understanding of his current roster. “I have a good squad, I’m not complaining,” he noted. “If we see things that can be improved, we will do it.”
El Real Oviedo anunció a Raúl González como su nuevo director técnico, con contrato hasta 2028; el objetivo es conseguir el ascenso a Primera División. #DeportesWhttps://t.co/K2gU1rAlkG
The appointment follows discussions with the club’s ownership, including Jesús Martínez and president Martín Peláez. Raúl highlighted the club’s tradition and the passion of its fanbase as key factors in his decision to accept the role. He concluded his presentation by defining the standard he expects from his players: “a team that has fought with courage, that never gives up.”
Real Oviedo’s next competitive fixture is scheduled for this Saturday against Girona. The club will provide further updates regarding squad fitness and tactical readiness following the match.
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