​Juliano Belletti served as Barcelona Atletic’s head coach last season, overseeing the team’s operations and guiding their campaign in the Segunda Federación, where they finished in sixth place. Throughout the past year, Belletti has demonstrated growing promise as a tactician, possessing a keen eye for the game and a strategic mindset that has impressed observers. His coaching license, however, was previously limited to the UEFA A license, which restricted him to managing teams up to the First Federation and did not authorize him to coach at higher levels.
This summer, Belletti has been actively enhancing his resume, and earlier this week he celebrated a major milestone in his coaching career. According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, he has completed the UEFA PRO course and earned the diploma that certifies the highest coaching qualification available. With the UEFA PRO license in hand, Belletti is now licensed to manage clubs in higher divisions and would be eligible to pursue opportunities beyond the second tier.
Despite the new credential, all indications suggest Belletti is inclined to return to Barcelona Atletic for a second season at the helm, with the objective of guiding the team to promotion. This marks a natural progression in his managerial trajectory as he enters his third season with the club. In his first year with Barcelona, Belletti worked with the Juvenil A squad and led them to a memorable UEFA Youth League triumph. His success there paved the way for his promotion to Barcelona Atletic, where he helped the B team finish in the upper half of the table in the following season.
Pre-season for the B team is scheduled to begin on July 20, a week after the first team under Hansi Flick begins preparations. All eyes will be on Belletti to see whether he can finally secure a promotion for the B team this season. Beyond the on-field results, Belletti is expected to play a pivotal role in scouting and developing talent who can contribute to the first team, working in close collaboration with the club’s management and coaching staff, including Flick, to ensure a steady pipeline of capable players.
The acquisition of the UEFA PRO license represents a significant step forward for Belletti’s career, underscoring his commitment to advancing at the highest levels of football coaching. As he blends his tactical acumen with enhanced qualifications, the 2024-25 season could mark a turning point for Belletti, with Barcelona Atletic potentially breaking through to higher competition while continuing to nurture players who may one day grace the first team.