Why did Javier Aguirre accept the Valencia job? The reasons behind El Vasco's decision

From retirement plans to a new challenge in Spain

Javier ‘Vasco’ Aguirre came close to bringing his coaching career to an end after leading Mexico at the most recent World Cup. At 67, the Mexican coach was deciding whether to remain on the sidelines or walk away for good when one phone call changed everything.

Valencia approached the experienced manager as the club looked for a way out of its difficult situation in LaLiga, and the two sides reached an agreement almost immediately.

“They called me and we sorted it out in five minutes. It's going to be a nice challenge,” Aguirre said before leaving Mexico City for Spain.

The speed of the agreement was particularly striking considering what had happened in the previous months. Aguirre had other opportunities to continue coaching, but none had convinced him.

Four rejected offers before saying yes to Valencia

Aguirre revealed that he had received four offers from different countries, including Mexico, but turned them all down while considering whether the time had come to leave coaching behind.

“I was in limbo between leaving everything behind once and for all or continuing. I had rejected four job offers from different countries, including Mexico, but in the end I decided on this one,” he said.

What made Valencia different? For Aguirre, his long-standing relationship with Spain proved to be one of the deciding factors.

“I've spent many years in Spain, I have strong roots there, my children were there, I spent 15 seasons there, so I thought it could be a good finishing touch to my career,” he explained.

His deep ties to Spain tipped the balance

Aguirre knows Spanish soccer extremely well. Before accepting the Valencia job, he had managed Real Zaragoza, Mallorca, Leganés, Espanyol, Atletico Madrid and Osasuna.

His extensive experience in the country, combined with his family's ties to Spain, meant Valencia's offer arrived at a particularly meaningful point in his career.

“Valencia is a historic club. We're going to try to do things well. It's an opportunity that has come at a good time for me. I'm very calm, relaxed, focused on myself and my family, and I'm going to give everything for this team, which I know well,” he said.

For El Vasco, the challenge also represents an opportunity to put a special finishing touch on a career deeply connected to Spanish soccer.

Why does Aguirre believe he can turn Valencia around?

The situation he inherits is far from easy. Valencia sits 19th in the standings with only four points from seven matches.

Aguirre, however, believes there is still plenty of time to change the direction of the season.

“Nothing is ever guaranteed, but there is still a lot of league left. There are 31 matches, more than 90 points available, we have a very good squad, I know all of them, I know the environment and I have a lot of desire. There are many reasons to be optimistic,” he said.

His knowledge of the competition and Valencia's environment are among the other factors giving him confidence ahead of the challenge.

El Vasco's formula for tackling the crisis

Aguirre also explained how he plans to work with his new players. The Mexican has no intention of changing the direct approach that has characterized him throughout his career.

“How will I do it? The way I like to be: looking each other in the eye, being straightforward. Communication is fundamental. I'm not going to change. If I see a problem, I'll say it, and if I'm happy, I'll say that too,” he explained.

The goal will be to bring that communication into the dressing room and spark a response from a team that urgently needs points.

Who will join Javier Aguirre at Valencia?

Aguirre confirmed that Pol Lorente will be part of his coaching staff. The Spaniard left the Mexican national team to accompany him on this new chapter.

Tony Amor, another of Aguirre's collaborators, will also join him.

“Pol Lorente is coming with me. He's been with me for many years, and Tony Amor as well. That's how we work, I respect processes. As for everything else, we'll see what the team needs, we'll look at the budget and the market,” Aguirre said.

Aguirre therefore begins an adventure that, until recently, did not appear to be in his plans. He considered retirement, rejected four offers and then quickly accepted Valencia's proposal, hoping the club can provide one of the final chapters of his long coaching career.

Key takeaways

1. Javier Aguirre considered retirement after the most recent World Cup and rejected four job offers before Valencia called.
2. His ties to Spain, 15 seasons in the country and the possibility of finishing his career there played a major role in his decision.
3. El Vasco takes over a Valencia side sitting 19th with four points from seven matches and believes there is still enough time to turn things around.

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