Aguirre says Valencia supporters are waiting to see if he can turn things around

“People are waiting to see whether this Mexican can turn Valencia around,” Javier Aguirre said ahead of his first match as the club’s coach. Valencia lost 2-3 to Real Sociedad. Aguirre is due to make his debut on Sunday at El Sardinero against Racing de Santander, with an urgent situation to address.

Before the match, Aguirre said he would not compromise on the effort he expects from his team. “It is difficult to see something in just ninety minutes, but my teams are known for running and working hard; they do not let their guard down and give everything, down to the last drop of sweat,” he said. He added that he never wanted to see an apathetic or listless team.

Aguirre also described the reception he gets in the street. He said people who recognise him greet him warmly, and that he senses supporters are “waiting to see” whether this Mexican can turn Valencia around. He added that he feels at ease and does not have to hide.

Aguirre said he had been speaking extensively with the players, both individually and as a group, to explain his footballing ideas and the need to collect points. He also stressed football’s mental dimension and noted that players are human beings. Commitment, he said, would be a defining feature of his team, while Valencia need to improve their results: the Mestalla club have taken only 4 of a possible 21 points and sit second-bottom in the table.

The coach said his team were eager to show what they could do and prove they were better than the results suggest. He described the mental and physical signs as good, while noting that the players’ physical condition was still being assessed. His first match in charge is approaching, with points urgently needed.