5 Real Madrid Managers Who Have Also Played for the Club as Raul Eyes Coaching Job

German club Union Berlin have shown interest in appointing Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez as their next manager.

However, it seems that Raul may be holding out for a potential role with Los Blancos. This inclination arises from the anticipated changes at the club next summer, potentially involving the departure of coach Carlo Ancelotti.

While the Italian tactician is expected to extend his tenure beyond 2024, Real Madrid have set forth certain conditions, including the option to terminate his contract if the club fails to secure any titles this season.

Raul played for Atletico Madrid's junior side for two seasons before making the move to the Bernabeu, where he won the three Champions Leagues, six LaLiga titles, and other trophies, including the UEFA Super Cup, the Spanish Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup.

Here, Sports Brief takes a look at five other Real Madrid players who have gone on to manage Los Blancos.

Luis Molowny (Manager 1974, 1977-79, 1982, 1985-86)

Molowny was a sought-after player, drawing interest from both Barcelona and Real. In 1946, he made the decision to join Real instead of Marino.

Following his retirement at the age of 32, the Spanish midfielder transitioned into coaching and took on the role at Las Palmas. In 1974, he assumed the managerial position at Real, securing victory in the domestic cup as an interim manager.

Across his four coaching stints, Molowny achieved notable success by clinching consecutive UEFA Cups in 1984-85 and 1985-86.

As a player, the Canary Islander made 172 appearances for Real, finding the net 89 times.

Alfredo Di Stefano (Manager: 1982-84, 1990-91)

The Argentine forward had two managerial stints at Real, both falling short of significant success for the club, resulting in just one trophy.

In his second term at the Bernabeu, Di Stefano managed to secure the Spanish Super Cup, overseeing a mere 21 games, in contrast to his earlier tenure where he led the team for 108 matches between 1982 and 1984.

During his managerial role in the 1980s, Real achieved a third-place finish in the league, faced a defeat by Aberdeen in Europe, and experienced setbacks in three finals—the Spanish Super Cup, the Spanish League Cup, and the Copa del Rey.

Di Stefano is predominantly celebrated at Real for his remarkable playing career, during which he netted 216 league goals in 262 games, setting a club record in a striking partnership with Ferenc Puskas. Additionally, he clinched the Ballon d'Or twice.

Vincente del Bosque (Manager: 1994, 1996, 1999-03)

Leading the team he had served as a player for 11 seasons, del Bosque achieved success by securing seven trophies in a span of four years.

As a former Spain manager, del Bosque had two interim spells as the caretaker boss of Real in 1994 and 1996 while holding the position of youth team coach. Eventually, in 1999, he was appointed as the permanent first-team coach.

During one of the club's most triumphant periods, del Bosque helmed 'Los Galacticos,' a star-studded lineup featuring renowned players such as David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, and Ronaldo.

In his playing days as a defensive midfielder, del Bosque contributed almost 450 appearances for Real Madrid from 1974 to 1984. He secured five league titles, four Copa del Reys, and was a part of the squad that faced defeat against Liverpool in the 1981 European Cup final.

Zinedine Zidane (Manager: 2016-18/2019-21)

Zidane, one of Real's most accomplished managers, secured nine trophies during his first tenure, boasting an impressive win percentage of 69.80, per Marca.

Surprisingly, Zidane chose to step down merely days after clinching his third Champions League victory over Liverpool, citing the need for "a different voice" at the club.

As a former midfielder for France, Zidane achieved the remarkable feat of winning three consecutive Champions League titles, joining an elite group of managers. His managerial accolades also included a LaLiga triumph, a Spanish Super Cup, two UEFA Super Cups, and two FIFA Club World Cups.

Before his managerial success, Zidane spent five impactful years as a player at Real Madrid. His arrival from Juventus for a then-world record fee of approximately 77.5 million euros marked a significant chapter. Notably, he scored the match-winning goal in the 2002 Champions League final and also secured a LaLiga title during his playing stint at the Bernabeu.

Julen Lopetegui (Manager: 2018)

The former goalkeeper had a brief stint at Real, lasting only 138 days, during which he presided over the club's second-longest goal drought of eight hours.

Lopetegui's managerial tenure came to an end following a 5-1 defeat by Barcelona, marking their third consecutive league loss, per the Guardian.

Man United centre-back linked with Old Trafford exit barely two years since he joined the Red Devils

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His dismissal from Real Madrid marked the second managerial job loss within a year, following his removal from the position with the Spanish national team just two days before the World Cup due to his decision to join Real.

During his playing career, the Spanish goalkeeper made only one senior appearance for Real and spent one of his two years there on loan to Las Palmas.

Raul wants to succeed Ancelotti?

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez is not sounding optimistic about succeeding Carlo Ancelotti as manager at the Spanish club despite being among the top contenders.

Jose Mourinho, Xabi Alonso, and Zinedine Zidane are among the other names currently being paraded within the club as possible successors to the veteran Italian manager, whose deal expires at the end of the season.