Valencia Eye Former Mexico Coach Javier Aguirre for Manager Vacancy

A New Leader for Valencia

Valencia have stepped up their talks with Javier Aguirre to fill their vacant managerial position. A formal offer is expected to be made to the former Mexico coach in the coming days. The Spanish club sacked Carlos Corberán last Sunday. They immediately appointed Braulio Vázquez as the new sporting director to lead the search for a replacement.

Vázquez has been weighing several options, but Aguirre has emerged as the frontrunner. Ernesto Valverde was also on the shortlist for the job. However, he declined the chance to manage this season after concluding his tenure with Athletic Club.

Aguirre's Vast Experience

Valencia are currently sitting in the relegation zone. They have picked up just four points from their first six games of the season, making the search for a new manager very urgent.

At 67 years of age, Aguirre recently guided Mexico to the Round of 16 at the last World Cup, where they were knocked out by England at the Azteca Stadium. He managed the Mexican national team across three separate spells, including the 2002 World Cup. After his contract ended with Mexico, his assistant and national team legend Rafael Márquez took over as head coach.

Aguirre has already received approaches from other teams, but his preferred option is a return to Spain. He has extensive experience in LaLiga, with previous managerial stints at Atlético Madrid, Osasuna, Espanyol, Zaragoza, Leganés, and Mallorca.

The Valencia squad would warmly welcome his potential appointment. The players view him as a manager with proven experience in lifting teams out of tough relegation battles. They believe he has the credentials to turn their season around.

What it means for the next game

Valencia vs Real Sociedad (LaLiga, Sun, 20 Sep): Valencia win 33%, draw 27%, Real Sociedad win 40%; expected goals 1.27 to 1.42. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.