Levante UD stands on the precipice of a thrilling return to La Liga. Much of the focus, and deservedly so, will be on the man steering the ship: Julián Calero. While his name might not yet resonate universally among casual football followers outside of Spain, Calero is a coach who has meticulously built a formidable reputation for tactical acumen, motivational leadership, and an uncanny ability to extract the very best from his teams. His crowning achievement to date? Masterminding Levante's impressive promotion, leading them back to Spanish football's top flight.
This blog post will delve into the career of Julián Calero, exploring his diverse coaching journey, defining his pragmatic yet passionate football philosophy, and highlighting his most significant triumph – guiding Levante UD to become champions of the Segunda División.
From Humble Playing Days to Coaching Aspirations: Calero's Early Football Journey
Julián Calero's footballing roots are firmly planted in the Spanisph lower leagues, providing him with a unique, grounded perspective that many top-flight managers lack.
Playing Career: Calero's playing days saw him operate as a midfielder for various modest Spanish clubs, including Parla, Fuenlabrada, Atlético Pinto, Valdemoro, Alcalá, and Coslada. While not a high-profile playing career, these experiences instilled in him a deep, practical understanding of the game from a player's perspective – the grind, the teamwork, and the tactical nuances that often go unnoticed in the limelight.
Early Coaching Steps & Assistant Roles: His transition to coaching began at the grassroots level, within the youth setups of major Spanish clubs like Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid academies. This foundational work laid the groundwork for his pedagogical approach. Crucially, Calero gained invaluable experience as an assistant coach in diverse environments, working alongside seasoned managers at clubs such as Real Oviedo, and most notably, under Julen Lopetegui at Portuguese giants FC Porto and in the UAE with Al Jazira. These stints exposed him to high-level tactical discussions and different footballing cultures, sharpening his strategic mind.
The Rise Through the Ranks: Building a Managerial Pedigree
Calero’s journey through the Spanish football pyramid is a testament to his perseverance and growing reputation.
First Head Coaching Roles in Lower Divisions: His early head coaching appointments saw him take charge of clubs like Parla, Atlético Pinto, Alcorcón B, and Navalcarnero. In these challenging environments, he honed his man-management skills and tactical application, learning the intricacies of Spanish regional football and the demanding Segunda División B (now Segunda Federación). This period was crucial for developing his leadership style and forging a clear footballing identity.
Success at Burgos CF (2020-2023): It was at Burgos CF that Calero truly began to garner significant attention. He famously led the club to promotion from Segunda División B to Segunda División in 2021, a remarkable achievement that marked his first major managerial triumph. He then successfully consolidated Burgos's position in the Segunda for two more seasons, navigating the division's challenges and showing a consistent ability to adapt his team, solidifying his reputation as a coach capable of punching above his weight.
A Brief Stint at FC Cartagena (2023-2024): His time at FC Cartagena was shorter, but no less impactful. Taking over a struggling side in the Segunda División in September 2023, Calero managed to stabilize the club's precarious position and ultimately steered them away from relegation. This demonstrated his proficiency in crisis management and his ability to quickly implement changes that yield results in difficult circumstances.
The Levante Triumph: Masterminding La Liga Promotion (2024/25 Season)
The summer of 2024 saw Julián Calero make a significant leap, taking the reins at Levante UD on June 8, 2024, with his contract running until June 2026. He arrived with a clear, unequivocal objective: secure immediate promotion back to La Liga.
The Championship-Winning Campaign: Calero delivered emphatically. He led Levante to become champions of the Segunda División for the 2024/25 season. Their performance was a masterclass in consistency and tactical execution. Levante finished top of the league with an impressive 79 points, recording 22 wins, 13 draws, and just 7 losses. Their goal difference of +27 (69 goals scored, 42 conceded) highlighted their balanced approach.
Key Strengths: Levante under Calero was characterized by a strong defensive solidity, often absorbing pressure and transitioning effectively. His side rarely conceded easy goals, and their tactical discipline was a hallmark of their success. Calero managed the pressure of immediate promotion expertly, ensuring the team's focus remained unwavering throughout the grueling 42-game season. Key performances from players like Carlos Álvarez, Roger Brugué, and José Luis Morales (each with 3 goals according to early season stats) helped propel them forward, though their strength was undoubtedly collective.
Julián Calero's Coaching Philosophy: Pragmatism, Passion, and Connection
Julián Calero's approach to football is rooted in a clear set of principles that go beyond mere tactics.
Tactical Approach: Calero favors a well-organized and disciplined team. While adaptable, he often employs systems like the 4-2-3-1, 4-5-1, or a more attacking 4-3-3, adjusting based on the opposition and the strengths of his squad. His teams emphasize directness, high intensity, and efficient attacking transitions, focusing on moving the ball quickly to exploit space. Interestingly, despite their attacking output, Levante's average possession stats often hovered around 49.1%, indicating a willingness to cede possession and strike on the break.
Player Management & Motivation: Calero places a significant emphasis on the commitment and desire of his players. He publicly stated, "What I want are players who want to be at Levante, and they want to, and who want to be committed to the objectives that we are going to set ourselves internally." This focus on collective effort and a strong team spirit is central to his methodology.
Connecting with the Fans: Understanding the soul of football, Calero firmly believes that "football belongs to the people." He strives to cultivate an emotional connection between the team and its supporters, emphasizing the importance of making fans proud when they come to the Estadi Ciutat de València. This philosophy ensures his teams fight for every ball and leave everything on the pitch.
Establishing Levante in La Liga
While promotion is a cause for immense celebration, Julián Calero knows the real work is just beginning.
The Step Up: The difference in quality, intensity, and financial disparity between Segunda División and La Liga is vast. Levante will need to quickly adapt to facing world-class opposition week in and week out.
Squad Building & Adaptations: Smart transfers will be crucial to strengthen the squad in key areas, bringing in players capable of competing at the highest level. Calero will also need to make tactical adjustments to ensure Levante can hold their own against Spain's elite.
The Pressure of Staying Up: The primary objective for Levante in the 2025/26 season will be survival. This will test Calero's strategic depth and his team's resilience like never before.
A New Chapter for Calero and Levante
Julián Calero's journey from a lower-league player to a highly successful manager who has now triumphantly brought Levante UD back to the promised land of La Liga is a compelling narrative of dedication and ambition. His tactical acumen, his ability to cultivate a fierce winning mentality, and his deep understanding of the game mark him as a coach to watch. The story of Julián Calero and Levante UD is a testament to perseverance, smart management, and the thrilling unpredictability of Spanish football, setting the stage for an intriguing new chapter in La Liga where the goal will be not just to participate, but to thrive.