Javier Aguirre takes over as Valencia head coach in relegation battle

Valencia Club de Fútbol has appointed Javier Aguirre as its new head coach, an urgent move to try and lift the team out of the relegation zone. The club, sitting 19th in the table with just four points from seven games, has sacked Carlos Corberán after losing four of their last five La Liga matches.

'The Basque' Aguirre arrives following his spell in charge of the Mexican national team, from which he was dismissed two months ago. His extensive experience in Spain, with stints at Osasuna, Atlético Madrid and Espanyol among others, is seen as a key asset for the difficult task ahead. The team has conceded 13 goals and scored only four, a record that explains their bottom-place position, 17 points behind leaders Barcelona.

In his first comments, the manager sent a message of confidence to the squad. He explained there is a lot of individual talent and they will try to get the best out of the group. He also referred to his former assistant with Mexico, Rafael Márquez, making clear he has not given him advice but that he values his professional work highly.

The schedule gives him a margin of roughly three weeks to work with the squad before his official debut. The first challenge will be the eighth matchday of La Liga, an away trip to face Racing Santander.

The situation is critical, with just one win in their last seven league outings. The latest setback was a narrow 2-3 defeat to Real Sociedad at Mestalla, where goals from Aaron Mayol and an unfortunate own goal from Luken Beitia were not enough. To see the full state of the squad, including the injuries list, the club's website offers updated information.

Aguirre inherits a team that needs an immediate and radical change in momentum and results. His first match in charge will be away against a Racing Santander side occupying 16th place.

More detail at Record MX