Atlético had not won La Liga for ten years and were desperate for success. Gil spent heavily, bringing in a number of expensive signings, most notably Paulo Futre. However the title proved elusive and Gil developed a reputation for his ruthlessness. In pursuit of success, he hired and fired a number of managers, including César Luis Menotti, Ron Atkinson, Javier Clemente and a returning Luis Aragonés. He also closed down Atlético's youth academy in 1992, which at the time featured future superstar Raúl, who would go across town to achieve worldwide fame at Real.