Aguirre vows to rein in Valencia players who show disrespect against Tavernes

“I’ll reprimand anyone who goes too far, tries a needless nutmeg or overdoes a celebration,” Aguirre warned. Ahead of the Copa del Rey meeting with Tavernes, the coach wants his team to approach the match seriously and show respect to their opponents.

Javier Aguirre is still seeking his first win with Valencia. Since his arrival, the team has drawn twice and lost once. The Copa del Rey match against Tavernes, a Preferente side, therefore offers a chance to win and ease the doubts that have emerged since he took charge.

Aguirre stressed that his opponents must not be underestimated. “We have the utmost respect for Tavernes because they deserve it,” he said, adding that his side should field the strongest team possible and take the fixture seriously. He also warned that a lack of focus could leave Valencia facing an unwelcome surprise. In his view, the match carries a particular risk: “It’s the kind of game where you have everything to lose and little to gain.”

The coach also discussed how he might manage his squad. He said rotation in the cup was not automatic and that all three goalkeepers were in contention to play. He praised Rivero’s work, describing him as valued and respected by his teammates. Aguirre also said four or five reserve-team players were training with the first team and that the rules allowed a maximum of four of them to feature; he hopes to give them playing time.

The coach also underlined the value of making a winning start in the competition. He said he had reached two finals with lower-division teams and was eager to make the most of this opportunity, while insisting that his side must give its all for 90 minutes. He also believes a goal could lift the forwards and provide encouragement for the league campaign: “The expected-goals outlook has been very good, but we haven’t managed to score.”

On the coaching change, Aguirre summed up the priority in one phrase: “It all comes down to winning.” For Valencia, the match against Tavernes is therefore a fixture in which the result matters alongside showing respect to the opposition.