Javier Aguirre took the Valencia manager's job after turning down four offers from other clubs. The Mexican coach explained his decision at Mexico City International Airport before travelling to Spain to take on the relegation battle.
Valencia are in a difficult position, sitting 19th in LaLiga with just four points from seven games. Their last match was a 2-3 defeat to Real Sociedad, part of a run of just one win in their last five outings. Aguirre, with fifteen seasons of experience in Spain, has faced similar battles at Osasuna, Espanyol, Real Zaragoza and Mallorca, though he failed to save Leganés from relegation in 2020.
Aguirre's decision
The 67-year-old manager admitted that after the 2026 World Cup with Mexico he considered retirement. "We were there in limbo about quitting for good; we had rejected four job offers from different countries, including Mexico," stated Aguirre. It was Valencia's call that changed his mind and brought him back to a country where he has deep roots and where his children remain.
The immediate challenge
His first official match in charge will be on October 11, on LaLiga's Matchday 8, away at Racing de Santander. The opponent sits three points above Valencia, in the safe zone. The international break will give him a couple of weeks to work with the squad. "As always, with great enthusiasm, always wanting to help, to work, and this time everything came together," added the coach about his new project.
The team faces this fixture having conceded thirteen goals and scored only four so far this season. The squad, with absences like that of Luken Beitia following his unfortunate own goal against Real Sociedad, must react quickly. The match at El Sardinero is the first official test of the Aguirre era.
More detail at Record MX
