Former Rayo Vallecano manager Francisco has declared that star forward Raul de Tomas is not focused on success at the club, after two seasons toiling for his best form. Francisco took over from Andoni Iraola last summer, and was sacked in February, but neither could get much out of ‘RDT’.
The 29-year-old was the top Spanish scorer the season before joining Rayo, and was in the Spain squad just months earlier, but a falling out with Espanyol coach Diego Martinez led to his departure. De Tomas then joined Rayo after the transfer deadline in September of 2022 for €11m, and was unable to play until January of 2023.
Since, he hasn’t been able to replicate the same form, scoring just six times in 45 appearances. In an interview with Relevo, Francisco explained that he felt that de Tomas was not giving his all to the cause.
“From the first to the last day I maintained the same line in the discussion, he is the player with the most quality I have had, but neither he nor we have managed to get his best performances out of him. I said very clearly that he was the one who should take a step forward, but Raul had many doubts about the project, not our plans. In the end, respect was maximum, but Raul’s head was possibly not at Rayo. The new coaching staff has played nine games, and Camello has scored a goal, things have not changed much in terms of victories or goals scored, but safety has practically been made and I am very happy. It has been seven months that have shown that they are great people more than just players.”
Seemingly de Tomas has not managed to find sufficient motivation, and eventually Francisco came to the conclusion that he could no longer rely on the ex-Real Madrid talent.
“Of course, he would have to be the first to [motivate himself], I gave him many opportunities until I understood that he was not up to playing. We spoke several times, he conveyed to me what he felt, so I made the decisions according to what he told me, never to annoy anyone. Maybe he needed to feel more integrated, to trust that Rayo was a place for him. I wish him the best, but it really pissed me off because I couldn’t get what we all know he has, which is a lot of football and a lot of goals. He didn’t feel like he was in the right place to do it.”
De Tomas’ signing is the great ‘what if’ for Rayo, who had they received the Espanyol version may have found a way into Europe under Iraola in his last season. For his part, Francisco revealed that he was looking for a fresh job in La Liga. ‘RDT’ has another three years left on his deal at Rayo, but it appears patience is wearing thin in Vallecas.
