Javier Aguirre: “You can’t say no to Valencia CF”

New Valencia CF coach Javier Aguirre, spoke to the media for the first time at his official presentation on Monday. His press conference was prefaced by a welcome message from his fellow Mexican, former Valencia CF player Andrés Guardado.

Sporting director Braulio Vázquez began the presentation with an introduction of Aguirre.

“Beyond his experience, what I liked most when we started talking was his eagerness to come here; we didn't even discuss financial terms, and regarding the sporting side, the only thing left to settle was when he would catch his flight. He really conveyed a strong desire to join. He has come to to Valencia CF, and I want to thank him and his coaching staff for taking the decision to come to our club during a difficult time.”

The decision to come to Valencia CF

“You can’t say no to Valencia CF. This is one of LaLiga and world football’s historic clubs, with an incredible fanbase. I’ve come here as coach of the opposing team, and it’s intimidating. I want Mestalla to be an imposing stadium for away teams and for the club to get back to where we belong. I had turned down four other job offers and was happy spending time with my family, but when Valencia CF called, I told my wife we had to come here; she loves football even more than I do, so she was thrilled about it. When I spoke with Braulio, I thought about how lucky I was that Valencia CF had considered me. The mutual desire to join forces outweighs any ‘small print’.”

Europe

“I’m a man who likes to go step-by-step, so I’m focused on the next game against Racing Santander.”

The fans

“I am very pleased to have been received with such joy; people have welcomed me, and you can sense a positive atmosphere here, but it’s all about results, and we hope to deliver them as soon as possible.”

The VCF Academy

“I saw the work Óscar Sánchez did, and I congratulate him. He was bold; he brought order to the team and fielded some young players. Mayol’s emergence was very important, as was that of Otorbi and Iker Córdoba. I don’t focus on age or experience; if a player is good enough, they get the nod for the team. The players who are in the best form will play.”

A message to the fanbase

“People are going to be tired of messages. We’re going to play Racing Santander and we’re going to go for the win. The victory is what is needed.”

The project

“I know where I’m coming to and what is going on. The plan is to win, and for the team to have a style and an identity. The fans will gradually get on board as the wins start coming.”

The characteristics of his sides

“We coaches make decisions based on what we have and what the team need at the time. The team, the opposition, the standings -they all dictate that. My teams are defined by their energy; to beat us, players have to give blood, sweat, and tears.”

The Valencia CF squad

“There is a lot of individual talent; the academy products strongly identify with the club, and the only thing left to do now is to convince the squad, to make them feel important, to make them realise they are at a very important club, and to get them to play like it.”

The message he has given to the players

“You should never have to lie to players. It was me. On an individual level, I’ve been getting to know seven or eight of the players to find out what they think, where they are coming from... they’re good people. I want to talk to everyone; they are people, not just players, and I want to know the story behind each one of them so I can help them.”

Talks with the captains

“What we discussed stays private. I also spoke with the injured players. These conversations are a good gauge of where we stand.”

The responsibility of representing Valencia CF

“It is an honour to be here at such a big club. Anybody would want to be here. I view this as a challenge I am ready for.”

The future

“I’d like to get results soon. You have to do your talking on the pitch.”

Copete and Maffeo

“I know them; I spent a couple of years with them at RCD Mallorca. Copete is injured, and I’m keeping a close eye on his recovery. Maffeo has really matured, and I see him doing well and staying focused.”

Needs from the team

“We haven’t discussed it yet. Braulio is working on it, and I know there are three injured centre backs in the squad. Beyond that, it’s not my place to talk about potential signings; that’s an institutional matter. I’ve always worked with the squad I’ve been given. Everyone deserves a chance, and I hope to have them back soon.”

Objectives

“My aim is to beat Racing Santander. I can’t say anything more than that. We have a squad that we have to analyse, to see how the players are doing, and then we’ll get to work at a steady pace.”