Valencia’s new chapter has opened beneath the steep stands of Mestalla, where Javier Aguirre has arrived with the immediate task of steadying a troubled LaLiga side and the longer ambition of restoring one of Spain’s traditional powers. Questions about recruitment quickly followed him to the Mediterranean city, including whether his Mexican connections could bring Cruz Azul midfielder Erik Lira to Spain.
Aguirre keeps Valencia’s transfer plans open
The Mexican coach spoke warmly of Lira but made clear that Valencia are not yet in a position to make firm commitments over possible signings. The club’s league predicament and an extensive injury problem mean Aguirre wants time to assess the squad before discussing targets with sporting director Braulio Vázquez.
- Aguirre said he had not yet formed a complete picture of the squad’s needs.
- He stressed that he is a club employee rather than the person responsible for budgets or spending.
- Any recruitment discussions will come after he and Vázquez have had sufficient time to study the team.
- Valencia’s current difficulties in LaLiga and the number of injured players are central to that assessment.
“At this point I would not dare say anything,” Aguirre explained. “I do not yet have a proper diagnosis of the situation or of what the team requires. I do not control the money or the budgets. In due course I will sit down with Braulio, once we have both had enough time to understand what we need.”
Respect for Lira, but no promise of a move
Lira has been mentioned as a potential Mexican arrival because of Aguirre’s nationality and relationship with the player. The Valencia coach described the Cruz Azul midfielder as a friend and praised his ability, while refusing to turn that admiration into a transfer indication.
“Erik is a friend and a sensational footballer,” Aguirre said. “There are many Mexican players who could play in Europe without any problem. But right now I cannot give a specific answer on this.”
Mestalla’s weight persuaded Aguirre
Aguirre said he did not hesitate when Valencia approached him, despite having set aside four other offers while spending time with his wife Silvia and their grandchildren. For him, the club’s history and the force of its support made the call impossible to reject.
He recalled telling his wife that they would have to leave for Valencia, convinced that the scale of the institution outweighed the comfort of family time. Aguirre described Valencia as one of Spanish football’s historic clubs and said the atmosphere at Mestalla can be intimidating even for those arriving to work there.
- The short-term objective is to move Valencia clear of relegation danger.
- Aguirre also wants the club to return to the higher places in LaLiga.
- He hopes Mestalla again becomes a daunting venue for visiting sides.
- His wider target is to take Valencia back towards the level its history demands.
“You cannot say no to Valencia,” he said. “It is a historic club in the league and it has an extraordinary fanbase. You come here and it can make you nervous. I want Mestalla to be an imposing stadium again, and for the team to return to the positions it deserves and has occupied throughout its history.”
