Javier Aguirre Reveals Why He Chose Valencia After Rejecting Four Offers
Veteran Mexican coach Javier Aguirre has officially begun a new chapter in Spanish football after being appointed Valencia’s new manager. The experienced coach has now revealed why he decided to accept the challenge of taking charge of Los Che.
Valencia are the seventh Spanish club Aguirre has managed during his coaching career. His appointment came shortly after he completed his latest stint as Mexico head coach at the FIFA World Cup, with the veteran coach formally presented to the Valencia public on Monday.
Aguirre explained that his decision was ultimately driven by a strong personal desire to return to club management. The coach admitted that he had already turned down four other offers before Valencia approached him, despite initially enjoying his time away from football with his family.
However, the opportunity to take charge at Mestalla immediately changed his plans. Aguirre revealed that he did not hesitate to discuss the possibility with his wife before deciding to accept the position.
“I turned down four other job offers and was actually enjoying the time off with my family. But as soon as Valencia CF contacted me, I immediately told my wife that we had to take this opportunity,” Aguirre said.
The Mexican also revealed that his wife was particularly enthusiastic about the move, having a strong passion for Spanish football. According to Aguirre, her enthusiasm made the decision even easier for the family.
“My wife actually likes football even more than I do, so she was very excited about the decision,” he added.
Valencia have handed Aguirre a short-term contract that runs until the end of the current season. The agreement reportedly includes an option for an additional year, provided the team meets the club’s performance targets and expectations.
Aguirre, however, has little time to settle into his new surroundings. Valencia have endured a difficult start to the campaign, losing five of their opening seven matches and slipping to second from bottom in the standings.
Despite the team’s struggles, Aguirre said he immediately felt a positive atmosphere from Valencia supporters when he arrived. The experienced coach also acknowledged that such support must eventually be repaid through improved performances and results.
His first test is scheduled for October 11, when Valencia face newly promoted Racing Santander. The fixture represents an important opportunity for Aguirre to end the club’s poor run and start his tenure with a much-needed victory.
“People and supporters will get tired if all we give them are promises. Our focus now is the match against Racing Santander, and we have to fight with everything we have to win. A victory is what the team needs most right now,” Aguirre said.
His arrival also comes amid significant changes behind the scenes at Mestalla. Valencia recently parted company with Carlos Corberan, while CEO Ron Gourlay has also left the club, with Braulio Vazquez appointed as the new sporting director.
Aguirre’s appointment is therefore part of a broader restructuring of Valencia’s football operation. With pressure continuing to grow around the club’s ownership and sporting direction, the Mexican coach faces the immediate task of restoring confidence on the pitch while helping to stabilise a team that has struggled badly at the beginning of the season.
