Julián Calero Implements New Methodology at Real Oviedo: “Do You Climb Stairs One by One or Six by Six?”

Julián Calero has officially assumed the role of head coach at Real Oviedo, marking a significant return to the club where he previously served as an assistant under Fernando Hierro during the 2016/17 season. As he begins his tenure at the Carlos Tartiere, Calero is emphasizing a methodical, step-by-step approach to team building, famously questioning his squad during a recent press availability: “Do you climb the stairs one by one, or six by six?”

The veteran manager, who arrives with a mandate to stabilize the team and pursue a promotion challenge, is looking to translate his tactical philosophy into consistent results in the Segunda División. His return to the “Azul” family follows a period where the club narrowly missed playoff success, and his current objective is to foster a culture of humility and collective unity to ensure long-term stability.

Establishing a New Tactical Identity

Calero’s emphasis on the “one step at a time” philosophy serves as a direct response to the pressures often placed on historical clubs aiming for a return to La Liga. According to statements made during his introductory phase, the coach believes that rushing the process—attempting to “climb six stairs at once”—often leads to instability. By focusing on incremental progress, Calero intends to build a squad that is tactically disciplined and mentally resilient.

The manager’s history with the club, specifically his tenure as Hierro’s right-hand man in 2016, provides him with a unique internal perspective. During that campaign, Real Oviedo remained in the playoff hunt until the final weeks of the season. Calero is now tasked with converting those near-misses into a sustainable competitive advantage as the primary decision-maker.

The Challenge of the Segunda División

The Segunda División remains one of the most competitive leagues in European football, characterized by narrow margins and a high volume of matches. For Real Oviedo, the primary goal for the 2024/25 season is to remain in contention for the promotion playoffs. Consistency is the metric by which Calero’s success will be measured, as the club seeks to avoid the mid-season slumps that have hampered previous campaigns.

Calero’s approach is rooted in the belief that the team must prioritize the collective over individual brilliance. He has repeatedly highlighted the necessity of “humility and unity” in his public addresses. This message is aimed at both the playing squad and the supporter base, setting expectations for a season where the process is valued as highly as the final outcome.

Historical Context: From Assistant to Head Coach

Transitioning from an assistant role to a head coaching position within the same organization is a rare path in professional football. Calero’s familiarity with the infrastructure of Real Oviedo is expected to shorten his adaptation period. Unlike an external hire who might spend months diagnosing the club’s institutional culture, Calero enters with a pre-existing understanding of the expectations at the Carlos Tartiere.

While his 2016/17 experience ended without a promotion, the lessons learned during that period—specifically regarding the fatigue of a long season and the importance of squad depth—are being integrated into his current training regimen. The club’s leadership has signaled that they are looking for a long-term project, which aligns with Calero’s preference for building a foundation rather than chasing quick, unsustainable gains.

Next Steps for Real Oviedo

Real Oviedo’s upcoming schedule will serve as the first true test of Calero’s “staircase” methodology. As the team prepares for their next competitive fixture, the focus remains on physical conditioning and the implementation of a defensive structure that can withstand the rigors of the league. Fans and analysts will be monitoring the team’s performance to see if the promised unity translates into a more disciplined defensive shape and a more efficient transition into the attacking third.

The club is expected to provide further updates regarding roster adjustments and tactical focus ahead of their next match. Supporters are encouraged to follow official club channels for verified information on starting lineups and coaching decisions as the season progresses.