Valencia have turned to Javier Aguirre for a rescue mission on Spain’s east coast, appointing the Mexican coach as Carlos Corberán’s replacement after a damaging opening to the LaLiga campaign.
Aguirre was presented by the club on Wednesday 23 September and now has the international break to settle into his new surroundings at Mestalla. His first competitive match is scheduled for 11 October, when Valencia travel north to Racing de Santander.
Quick facts
- Javier Aguirre has become Valencia’s new head coach.
- He succeeds Carlos Corberán, dismissed after four defeats in the opening five league matches.
- Valencia sit second from bottom with four points from a possible 21.
- Aguirre’s debut is set for the LaLiga Matchday 8 trip to Racing at Campos de Sport de El Sardinero on 11 October.
- The Mexican will have 17 days to prepare before his first match.
The appointment takes Aguirre to a seventh club in Spanish football. His long spell in the country has included work with Osasuna, Atlético de Madrid and, most recently, Mallorca.
Valencia’s position has made the change urgent. The club have lost four of their previous five games and are currently one place above the bottom of the standings, leaving Aguirre with the immediate task of steering the side away from a relegation fight.
The two-week pause for international fixtures offers the 66-year-old a rare stretch of preparation before entering league action. Racing have also made an unconvincing start, and a result in Santander could give Valencia valuable movement in the table.
The schedule becomes more demanding after Aguirre’s opener. Valencia are due to face Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal next, giving the new coach little time to build momentum once the campaign resumes.
