Real Madrid Castilla start their pre-season activity today under the guidance of a certain Raúl Gonzalez Blanco with their season starting on August 25.
Another chapter in Raúl's illustrious career commences today as he is set to oversee coaching responsibilities with Real Madrid Castilla as the "B" team prepare their 2019-20 season in Spain's third tier, Segunda B.
It's hoped that Raúl follows Zidane's steps in revitalising the second team as they look for a place in LaLiga 1|2|3 following five seasons languishing in Segunda B.
Kubo attraction
The star attraction for the side is undoubtedly former Tokyo FC player Takefusa Kubo with the teenager already training with the first team in Montreal. Raúl will also be able to count on new Brazilian recruit Rodrygo, with the 18-year-old hoping to emulate compatriot Vinicius by using Castilla as a fast track to first team football. Raúl will be assisted by Alberto Garrido who worked with Guti last season with the U-19 team.
Seven pre-season tests
Six of the Castilla squad are currently training with the first team in Canada (Altube, De la Fuente, Javi Hernández, Seoane, Fidalgo and Kubo) with others (Chust, Miguel Gutiérrez and Antonio Blanco) in action for Spain at the Uefa U-19 competition in Armenia.
Castilla will play seven games (away from the capital) before their season opener at the end of August and face: Gimnástica Segoviana (July 24), Mirandés (July 27), Pontevedra (August 1), Lugo (August 3), Alcorcón (August 7), Tenerife (August 10) and Burgos (August 18).
August 25 start
Castilla are in Group I of the four regional 2B groups and face teams from Galicia, Astuirias, the Balearic lslands, Madrid along with Las Palmas 'B' and Melilla.
A local derby away to Las Rozaswill be Raúl's first competitive game on the Castilla bench with the season ending on May 17 before the play-off series commences.