A final outing with a bitter taste for the Real Madrid reserve. On the occasion of the 38th and final day of the Spanish third division championship, Castilla lost its feet to Malaga (2-1) at the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium this Saturday. A defeat which partly sums up the difficulties encountered throughout the season by a very inexperienced Merengue team weighed down by the departure of many major players. Far from the objectives displayed during the resumption in August, namely a promotion to the next level, the Madrid management could be forced to take a drastic decision in the coming days in order to improve the results of their team next year.
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Therefore, a question arises in the Spanish capital: is Raúl Gonzalez still the man for the job? In office since 2019 and long considered a credible candidate to take control of the Real Madrid first team, the legendary former White House striker saw his popularity diminished on the other side of the Pyrenees by making the worst season for Castilla under his era (10th with 51 points, 11 lengths from 5th place, synonymous with play-offs) to the point of seeing his future written in dotted lines. At the end of his contract with Castilla, the 46-year-old technician arrives at a pivotal moment in his young coaching career. Asked about his future after the defeat against Malaga, the Madrilenian, however, showed his preference.
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“Am I going to continue next season? Today, yes. My nearest future is to go to the Bernabéu right now and try to watch the second half (referring to the Real Madrid vs Real Betis game, editor’s note). In the world of football, you have to live in the present, not look too far ahead, but if I had to answer you now, I would say yes.conceded the former Spanish international to 102 caps with La Roja before continuing: “The pre-season and the team are already planned and everything is done. Then, there are things in football that happen like that: coaches who come… The world of coaching is very complicated and I feel very identified with what I do. The club really appreciates what I do, I feel supported, I feel loved and that’s the best way to make decisions.”.
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If the former number 7 of the White House likes Madrid and already seems to be planning for next season, he does not rule out any scenario concerning the continuation of operations, aware that his situation could change one day to the other. “I really enjoy everyday life with the boys, helping them, seeing them and saying hello to them when they are in the first division. For me, daily life here fulfills me. It is clear that the thinking on new challenges is there. There have been conversations, calls… But I have to decide and feel that. When will this happen? I don’t know. To this day, I don’t know.”admitted Raúl in comments reported by Marca. If his future currently remains up in the air, the Iberian is destined sooner or later to take the plunge. Eager to evolve into the role of a head coach, he and his agent remain open to offers at a time when several Bundesliga clubs seem interested in his services.
Pub. THE 05/26/2024 3:01 p.m.
Update 05/26/2024 4:05 p.m.
