Real Madrid Confidencial Raúl, one step away from returning: he can already take Xabi Alonso's place
The German club is considering the former Castilla coach to succeed Ten Hag
Bayer Leverkusen is urgently looking for a new manager. Ten Hag has been dismissed after just three matches in charge.
The Dutchman couldn't handle the pressure. Xabi Alonso's shadow proved too heavy for the former Manchester United manager.
This is his second consecutive dismissal. His German adventure ends abruptly and unexpectedly. The German executives are working against the clock and want to find the perfect replacement before the weekend.
Raúl, in the lead
The board is considering three main candidates. Raúl González tops the list of favorites to take charge of the team.
Meetings between executives are ongoing. The name of the former Madridist footballer comes up constantly in the discussions. His profile convinces the German leadership and his experience with Castilla adds points to his candidacy.
The other two names are German. Edin Terzic, former Borussia Dortmund manager, is an alternative and Marco Rose completes the final trio. The manager led RB Leipzig among other Bundesliga clubs.
The decision hasn't been made yet. The international break gives extra time to reflect and the executives don't want to rush. The mistake with Ten Hag has made them more cautious in their choice.
Advantages of the Madrid native
Raúl knows German soccer perfectly. His time as a player at Schalke 04 gives him total credibility. His reputation in Germany is exceptional and German fans have an unforgettable memory of his goals.
Several German teams have tempted him before. The calls have come in over the past few years. However, the ideal conditions never came together, so the proposals didn't fully convince him.
He built his coaching experience in Madrid. His entire career as a manager took place under the white umbrella, with Castilla serving as his testing ground. There, he showed his worth by leading future Madridist stars.
His greatest success came in European competition. He won the only Youth League in Real Madrid's history. That victory catapulted him as a promising manager, since his methodology and tactical knowledge impressed observers.
Leverkusen needs stability after the chaos. Raúl could bring the calm the German locker room requires.
The Bundesliga champions are seeking continuity. Last season marked a turning point in its recent history.
The final decision will come in the next few days. Raúl's future as a manager could change definitively.
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