In Valencia, where the pressure of LaLiga’s relegation fight hangs over every selection decision, Javier Aguirre has answered criticism of his use of academy players by pointing to a career-long willingness to trust young footballers when they are ready.
The Mexican coach, known as El Vasco, was asked about the limited involvement of players from Valencia’s youth system as the club searches for the points needed to climb out of the bottom places. Aguirre rejected the suggestion that he is reluctant to look to the academy, insisting that form and readiness, rather than a player’s background, determine his choices.
“Across six clubs, I have handed first-team debuts to roughly 30 or 35 players,” Aguirre said. “I took a 17-year-old to the World Cup. If a player is ready, he will play. It is not about whether he came through the academy or not. The team needs points and is in the relegation zone; when I believe they should play, they will.”
His reference was to Gilberto Mora, the teenager he selected for the World Cup at only 17, an example Aguirre used to underline that age has not prevented him from placing responsibility on young players.
For now, however, Valencia’s immediate situation shapes every call. The club require victories to create breathing room in the table, and Aguirre said the scale of the task has only reinforced his desire to repay the welcome he has received in Spanish football.
“Every stage brings a challenge,” he said. “I want to give something back to Valencia. They opened the door for me, the people have treated me wonderfully and I am happy here. I want to give the supporters something to celebrate. This is a historic club and we are trying to take it back to where it belongs.”
