Former Real Madrid captain Raul Gonzalez is confident Rafa Benitez can build a "winning team" at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Benitez, a former Madrid player and youth-team coach, was named the club's new boss earlier this month following the sacking of Carlo Ancelotti.
Ancelotti was dismissed after failing to land a major trophy this season, but Raul, who won three Champions League and six La Liga titles during his time in the Spanish capital, feels Benitez can soon bring success back to the club.
"It was Benitez's dream to manage Real Madrid, and his successes at the other teams he has managed have eventually brought him to Real Madrid, and he will certainly build a very competitive and winning team," Raul, who currently plays for New York Cosmos, told Marca.
"He was the manager when I made my debut and played my only game for Real Madrid B [Castilla], against Palamos. He is a very keen and methodical manager. He likes to have the whole squad ready and able to play."
Raul added: "I believe you have to be optimistic. And hopefully we can lift lots of trophies next season."
Many felt Ancelotti's dismissal was tough on the Italian, given he had won the Champions League and Copa del Rey during his first season at Madrid.
Raul, however, says he can understand the club's decision, despite being a fan of Ancelotti's work.
"What happens at Real Madrid is that if they don't win a trophy, then something is missing," he said. "The club has to make decisions and those decisions have to be backed.
"We have to thank Ancelotti for the great job he did, but now we are all excited about a new era with a new manager."