Javier Aguirre is now in charge of Valencia Club de Fútbol. The new manager took his first training session on Thursday at the Paterna training ground, just hours after landing at Manises airport and officially assuming the role.
The 67-year-old Mexican coach arrived around half past nine in the morning and went directly to the facilities. He was greeted by his assistants, Pol Llorente and Toni Amor, and by sporting director Braulio Vázquez, who closely monitored the start of this new era. Aguirre greeted the squad in the dressing room before leading the group onto the pitch at the Antonio Puchades stadium for an introductory session.
Schedule changes
One of the 'Vasco's' first decisions was to alter the planned work schedule. Although the team was set for a free weekend, the new coach called the squad to train on both Friday and Saturday. Sunday will be the only full day off. This change shows the urgency with which Aguirre is approaching his mission, using the upcoming international break to implement his ideas with more time.
The club's general director, Javier Solís, was also present on this first day. The coaching staff had already begun the morning training as planned before the new manager's arrival, allowing for an immediate transition.
The immediate challenge
Aguirre arrives with the clear objective of changing the dynamic of a team sitting second from bottom in LaLiga. After the first seven matchdays, Valencia has only four points. The international break now offers him a block of nearly three weeks of uninterrupted work before his official debut on the bench.
His formal presentation to the media and fans is scheduled for next Monday at Mestalla. His competitive debut will come on October 11th, when the team visits Racing de Santander at El Sardinero. The coach signed a one-year contract, with an option for a second season that will be activated based on results.
The squad, in urgent need of a boost, will work under Aguirre's orders in the coming days with their sights set on that trip to Santander, the first official test of the new project.
In his first contact with the media, Javier Aguirre made his intention clear. The manager stated: "Valencia has to become a fortress again". The club sits 19th with just four points after seven matchdays. Aguirre also confirmed that the Japanese player Sato and goalkeeper Dimitrievski were not at the first training session due to being on international duty.
