In Valencia, Javier Aguirre has begun his new chapter with the treatment room, rather than the transfer market, at the front of his mind. The Mexican coach was unveiled as Valencia’s new manager and made clear that any discussion of bringing compatriots to Mestalla must wait until he has assessed an injury-hit squad.
Questions quickly turned to Erik Lira, the Cruz Azul midfielder who became more prominent during Aguirre’s most recent spell in charge of Mexico and impressed at the World Cup. Aguirre did not rule out a future move for the player, but stressed that no recruitment decision is currently on the table.
Quick facts
- Javier Aguirre has been presented as Valencia’s new head coach.
- He says the club’s immediate concern is a significant number of injured players.
- Erik Lira was close to joining Monaco during the last summer window.
- That Monaco move collapsed because the French club could not open a non-EU registration place.
- Valencia have one available place for a non-EU player.
Aguirre said he needs a full picture of the group before identifying positions that may require reinforcements. Valencia’s priority, he explained, is to get injured players back fit and restore confidence around the side.
“The first thing I see is that there are many injuries, and that is what concerns me at the moment,” Aguirre said. “We have to get those players back and change their expressions. I do not yet have a proper diagnosis of the team.”
The coach also underlined that he does not control the club’s finances. “I am an employee of the club; I do not manage the budget or the money,” he said.
On Lira, Aguirre spoke warmly but declined to turn admiration into a transfer indication. He described the midfielder as a friend and an excellent player, adding that many Mexican footballers have the quality to play in Europe, but said it was too early to provide a definitive answer.
Winter window remains a possibility
Lira had appeared close to his own European departure in the previous summer market, with Monaco pursuing a move from Cruz Azul. The Ligue 1 club, however, could not complete the deal after failing to create room for another non-EU player.
Valencia’s available non-EU slot means the route would be open if Aguirre’s squad review points towards a need in central midfield or elsewhere. For now, though, the manager’s first task is to understand the players already in his care before looking beyond the Mediterranean city for additions.
