Aguirre: “We need to be daring and have personality at Mestalla”

Valencia CF coach Javier Aguirre talked to the media before LALIGA EA Sports Matchday 9, in which his team take on Athletic Club.

Changing the bench used by the home team

“It was an idea I had. The strongest argument is that there’s a 103-year tradition of it being in that same spot, and I’m not going to be the one to break that tradition. It will stay right where it is. The thought of moving it just crossed my mind, but it’s no big deal -I’m not superstitious.”

Absences

“Rioja is ready to play. Copete wanted to play, but in the end, he won’t -although maybe next week he will be back. Besides Diego López and Canós, Sadiq is almost ready to return. I won’t be selecting Foulquier, though he’s getting fitter all the time.”

Hugo Duro

“When I speak directly with someone, it’s because I feel it’s necessary, and I didn’t see that as being the case with Hugo. He missed a chance to score, which he knows, but as always he was in good spirits, eager to improve, and has a positive attitude.”

Open training sessions

“This will become the norm. I’ve done it at every team I’ve coached. I respect people’s work, and to me, this is just standard practice. There’s nothing to hide.”

Debuting at Mestalla in charge of Valencia CF

“I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve always come here as part of the away team, and I’d always look at the fans along the touchline. The fans provide a huge boost; now they’ll be on my side, and I’m really excited about that.” 

Javi Guerra

“He participates in play the least when he’s on the left, as the touchline really limits his movement; I prefer him playing more centrally. He can play in a double pivot, as an ‘8,’ or even as a ‘10.’ He has personality, and we’ll get the best out of him.”

His strategy

“The plan is to score at least one more goal than the opposition. At home, we need to be bold and show personality. I’ve emphasised the importance of showing personality when we’re on the ball. We have to win; how we do it doesn’t matter.”

Fans traveling to Santander

“They were outside the hotel, setting off firecrackers, and it brought me so much joy. I’m truly touched by the affection we’ve received from the fans. I don’t even have the words to describe it.”

Several players suffering cramps in Santander

“It’s a physical and mental issue. If the pressure is too high, your body tightens up; fatigue also plays a role. But I’d rather have that, with players leaving everything on the pitch, showing total commitment, than have them just wandering aimlessly around the field of play.”

Work on the pitch

“It’s a matter of timing. There was an international break, and when I arrived, seven players were out injured. We’ve barely had enough training sessions to implement our ideas for attacking and defensive play. We have to introduce concepts gradually. We want a balanced team and to be strong at home.”

Mentality

“It’s about the players starting to believe they can win. They have to realise the significance of this club in the history of Spanish and world football. They need to feel the responsibility that comes with representing this club, which has one of the best youth academies in Spain. If you don’t grasp that, you’re not fit to play here.”

Athletic Club

“I have a soft spot for them because the Basque country is where my parents are from. We’ll need to be very alert to their transitions.”

Pepelu’s versatility

“The more players like Pepelu that we have, the better. I love his personality and his style of play. I see him more as a midfielder, but he reads the game well as a centre back too; he’s strong in the air and has great timing. Guido Rodríguez is more of a defensive anchor in the midfield, while Pepelu has more freedom. They make a good combination. If we play with three central midfielders, I prefer to employ Guido as the pivot, whereas at centre back, I’d choose Pepelu over Guido.”

Conversations with Braulio

“I have held meetings with him.”