Valencia’s search for a way out of the lower reaches of LaLiga is set to bring Javier Aguirre back to Spain, with the Mexican coach expected to take charge at Mestalla once Sunday’s home match against Real Sociedad has been played.
A rescue specialist returns to Spain
Aguirre is poised to become Valencia’s new manager, taking on what would be his seventh club assignment in Spanish football. The 67-year-old has built much of his LaLiga reputation on difficult rescue jobs, and Valencia’s board have turned to that experience with the side sitting second from bottom.
The appointment has yet to be formally confirmed, but the club are expected to announce it after the Real Sociedad fixture. Aguirre’s immediate task will be to move Valencia away from the relegation places during a demanding autumn period.
A one-year deal with demanding targets
The negotiations centred heavily on the length and conditions of Aguirre’s agreement. Valencia were unwilling to offer a longer initial commitment, while Aguirre had sought greater stability and the chance to build beyond a short-term survival mission.
- The proposed contract runs for one year, through to 2027.
- An additional season would be triggered automatically, with a salary increase, should Valencia finish inside LaLiga’s top five.
- If the club merely stays up, Valencia would retain the option not to continue with Aguirre without paying compensation.
- Aguirre must also lift the team out of the bottom three before the second half of the league season begins.
- Failure to meet that earlier league-position requirement would allow Valencia to dismiss him without a payout.
The terms underline the narrow margin Aguirre will have in the city. Valencia are not only asking for survival by the end of the campaign, but for a rapid improvement before the season reaches its midway point.
The table leaves little room for delay
Valencia have collected four points and are currently 19th. Their position could be affected by the meeting between Málaga and Getafe: Málaga have three points, while Getafe have six, making a draw the most useful outcome for Valencia.
Villarreal, Levante and Elche are all on five points, ahead of Valencia, although Elche occupy the relegation zone on goal difference. A victory over Real Sociedad on Sunday would therefore take Valencia out of the bottom three.
Time before the first Aguirre match
After hosting Real Sociedad, Valencia’s next league trip is to Racing on Sunday, 11 October. Copa del Rey matches will occupy the intervening weeks, giving Aguirre roughly a fortnight on the training ground before his expected debut in the dugout.
That interval could prove valuable for a squad needing both points and direction. For Aguirre, the assignment begins with a clear timetable: pull Valencia clear quickly, then turn a survival appointment into something longer lasting.
