Real Oviedo has sidelined coach Veljko Paunovic (48). The Serbian, who was chiefly responsible for the historic promotion to La Liga, now has to leave due to poor sporting results.
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Under Veljko Paunovic’s leadership, Real Oviedo achieved what many thought impossible: promotion to Spain’s top flight after an absence of 24 long years.
The Serbian coach, who had previously managed Reading in England and worked with Serbia’s youth national teams, guided the Asturian club back to La Liga in the summer of 2024. It was an extraordinary accomplishment that brought joy not only to the fans in Oviedo but also to the entire region of Asturias, which had been waiting for decades to see their team compete again against the country’s biggest clubs. For weeks after the promotion, Paunovic was celebrated as a hero, a coach who had written his name in the club’s history books.
Yet football is a game of rapid turns, and in the unforgiving environment of La Liga, past glories often count for little. Despite the euphoria of last season, Real Oviedo’s start to life back in the top division has been deeply disappointing. After eight matches in the current campaign, the club finds itself languishing in seventeenth place, just above the relegation zone, with performances that have raised alarm among both supporters and the board. The team has struggled to adapt to the pace and quality of La Liga, often appearing overwhelmed against more established opponents. Goals have been scarce, defensive mistakes frequent, and the confidence that carried them through last season’s promotion run has evaporated.
For the Oviedo board, the fear of an immediate return to the second division has proven too great. On that basis, the club has taken the difficult decision to part ways with Paunovic and his entire coaching staff. The announcement was met with mixed feelings: sadness and gratitude for what he achieved, but also recognition that a change was necessary to protect the team’s chances of survival. In Spanish football, dismissals of recently celebrated coaches are not unusual; the pressure of results often outweighs the weight of past achievements.
Adding to the poignancy of Oviedo’s recent journey is the presence of club legend Santi Cazorla. The former Spanish international, now 40 years old, returned to his boyhood club in 2023 in what many saw as a romantic homecoming. Accepting a symbolic salary, Cazorla contributed not only with his talent on the pitch but also with his leadership and influence in the dressing room. Last season, he made 32 appearances, scoring three goals and providing five assists, proving that even in the twilight of his career, he could still make a difference. His vision and experience were crucial during the promotion push, and his return created a powerful bond between the team and its supporters.
This season, however, has been more difficult for Cazorla. Despite his efforts, he has yet to score a goal and, like the rest of the squad, has struggled to impose himself against La Liga’s stronger midfields. His contract runs until the end of the season, and while his future remains uncertain, his legacy and symbolic importance to Real Oviedo are unquestioned. For many fans, his mere presence is a reminder of the club’s roots and the passion that carried them back to the top.
Attention now turns to who will take over on the bench. According to reports in the Spanish press, Luis Carrión has emerged as a leading candidate. Carrión is no stranger to the club, having already served as head coach between 2023 and 2024 before Paunovic’s arrival. Known for his tactical discipline and ability to organize squads, Carrión could represent a safer pair of hands to stabilize the team and steer them away from relegation danger. His familiarity with the squad and the environment in Oviedo could also play in his favor, as the club seeks continuity while also demanding immediate improvements.
The situation reflects a broader challenge faced by many newly promoted teams in La Liga. While the celebration of promotion is euphoric, the reality of competing against Spain’s elite clubs Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and the ambitious mid-table sides like Real Sociedad, Villarreal and Athletic Club is daunting. Financial disparities are enormous, making survival a feat in itself. For Real Oviedo, the mission is now clear: secure enough points to remain in La Liga, protect the momentum gained from promotion, and continue building a long-term project that can keep the club stable in the top flight.
For the supporters, who packed the Carlos Tartiere stadium throughout last season and celebrated promotion with wild street parties, the change in mood is palpable. What was supposed to be a dream return has quickly turned into a battle for survival. Still, optimism remains that with the right adjustments and leadership, the team can rediscover the spirit and determination that carried them to La Liga in the first place.
As Real Oviedo closes the chapter on Paunovic’s historic tenure, the club faces a decisive stretch in its season. The coming weeks will be crucial, both in terms of selecting the right successor and in restoring belief to a squad that has lost its way. The romantic tale of Cazorla’s homecoming, Paunovic’s promotion miracle, and the fans’ unwavering support remains intact, but the reality of La Liga demands resilience, pragmatism and results. The next coach, whether Carrión or another candidate, will carry the responsibility of not letting this long-awaited return to the top division end in disappointment.
