Braulio Vázquez: "Aguirre has experience, is great at managing groups, and isn't scared of big situations"

Valencia CF sporting director Braulio Vázquez spoke to VCF MEDIA about his plans for the project and the coming months.

Returning home

I’m returning home. I’ve been here before, and I consider this my home. It’s great to see the staff at the club again -though the poor guys look a bit more worn down now- but I’m truly happy, on a personal level, to reconnect with friends. In terms of the sporting side, I know it’s a tough situation, but we have to do everything possible to turn it around. Emotionally, I know where I’m coming to and I know the fanbase we have; it’s a challenge, but I believe it’s a return to where I belong. Beyond the LaLiga table, I’m coming to Valencia CF and I believe this is a massive club; I’m proud to belong to such a huge institution once again.

Facing this new challenge

I consider myself quite approachable yet intense; sometimes you might make mistakes, but I’d rather make a mistake by trying to do too much than by waiting for things to fix themselves, because that doesn’t happen. I believe I have the necessary knowledge of the club, the enthusiasm, and the experience -because no matter how much enthusiasm you have, if you lack experience or knowledge of the market, it’s difficult. I’ve been working in football without a break for about 15 years. I’m going to try to contribute, but I’m no magician, and I can’t fix everything on my own. I need time and everyone’s help so we can gradually lift ourselves out of this situation. 

Bringing back happier times

I truly hope the excitement we all share becomes a reality. Expectations matter when it comes to motivation, but people need actions. Obviously, we all hope the Valencia CF we once knew will return someday, but the absolute reality right now is that we’re sitting in 19th place, and we have to work our way up from the bottom, step by step. 

Javier Aguirre as coach

Javier Aguirre has a wealth of experience; the other day I was looking at his career path and I lost count of the clubs and national teams he’s managed. He has so much experience. I think he’s excellent at managing a squad, and high-pressure situations like the one we’re in don’t faze him. We’re going to try to help him as much as possible so he can get to know the players quickly. It’s one thing to see them from the outside, on TV, but it’s completely different to work with them day in and day out in training and competition.

Bringing players back

We need to stay very hands-on; for starters, wehave to get injured players back, as we have several long-term injuries inspecific positions, including at centre back. We need to analyse everything,and I honestly believe this squad is capable of delivering more. 

The opening games in LALIGA

Ultimately, there are specific moments in matches -like the game in Seville- where you might play well or poorly, but if you take your chances you might win 0-1. We’re going to train hard and compete hard. As for the rest: We’ll let people see actions, not words.

The last season at Mestalla

It makes me a little sad, because every player I speak to says that when they come to play at Mestalla -when the fans turn up the heat and the stadium’s steep, vertical design amplifiesthe noise, you really feel it. People shouldn't mistake this for just a"transition season" where nothing is at stake. There’s a lot on the line. But it is a transition in the sense of the team moving stadium. It’s a bit of a pity for me, having been here for so many Champions League matches -I was part of the sporting staff back then, too- and knowing that when Mestalla gets loud, it is incredibly intense. 

Ambition

On a personal level,I’m going to give my all for this club; I’ll put in every hour possible and then some. But simply putting in the hours isn't enough—I need to be efficient and effective, staying on top of everything and trying to help. All I hope is that we can repay our fans for the support they give us during the tough times.I hope that support is rewarded with better sporting results. I don't ask for anything specific, because if you give even a little, they always give back to you.