Javier Aguirre returns to Spain with his sense of humor, approachability, and straightforward style
Por Carlos Rodríguez ·
At his introductory press conference as Valencia’s new head coach, Mexican Javier Aguirre displayed the personality that has defined him throughout his coaching career: ease, approachability, and a distinctive sense of humor that turned his first press conference as Valencia’s head coach into an event peppered with jokes, a friendly atmosphere, and typical Mexican expressions.
“I’ll be the same Javier as always,” he told the media. And that’s exactly how he came across to the media, whom he’ll face every week in the Valencian capital. The Mexican coach, who is returning to Spanish soccer at the helm of Valencia, was particularly attentive during the press conference to the journalists present in the Mestalla press room, which was packed with both local and international media.
Aguirre Wins Over Mestalla with Mexican Humor and Unfiltered Answers
Aguirre kept track of everyone’s names and even noticed when the same media outlets or journalists were speaking repeatedly.
“I’m getting more and more screwed every day,” he joked after a reporter had to repeat his name to him.
His characteristic expressions—including the common “güey” or “hijo,” which he sometimes uses when addressing those he’s speaking with—were also evident during a press conference in which he didn’t hesitate to respond spontaneously to questions.
“That’s a bit of an unfair question…,” a reporter began before asking his question.
“Then don’t ask it, güey,” Aguirre cut in with a laugh.
In another exchange, regarding some remarks he had made during the World Cup, the Mexican replied:
“I don’t remember saying that to you, but anyway, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt… Besides, the recordings are going to be your downfall today. They’re going to cut that out, for sure” (Filed under: Javier Aguirre returns to Spain with Valencia).
“More gray hair and wrinkles”
“No one read that interview—just you, one other person, and my wife,” “Just say it (the name of the player the reporter spoke with)—don’t be a jerk,” or “Please, rephrase your question….”
Those were some of the other answers the Mexican coach gave in a lighthearted tone.
Upon his arrival in Valencia four days ago, in his first remarks immediately after landing at Valencia Airport in Manises, he told the media waiting for him—after being asked why he had accepted Valencia’s offer—
He had cited “the history of this club, the caliber of the players, the fans at Mestalla—phew—but not the press,” a remark that was met with laughter.
In addition, during his first press conference with the Valencian media, he also said that 24 years after his first experience as a coach in Spanish soccer, the main differences are “more gray hair and more wrinkles.”
To which, however, he adds “a great desire to return to soccer” in this country (Filed under: Javier Aguirre returns to Spain with Valencia).
He promises to give it his all and jokes about his “last dance”
Likewise, when asked if this would be Javier Aguirre’s “last dance” at age 67, the Mexico City-based coach once again resorted to humor, replying with a laugh:
“Well, I don’t know, son, because it’ll be whatever Silvia—his wife—says; she’s the one in charge.”
In his presentation, Aguirre also confirmed that, in addition to giving “everything” to try to change the team’s on-field performance—which has yielded only four points in the first seven matchdays—he is keeping one of his hallmarks off the field intact:
His great sense of humor (Filed under: Javier Aguirre returns to Spain with Valencia).
Guardado welcomes Aguirre and expresses his support: “They couldn’t have made a better choice”
Andrés Guardado, a former player for Valencia and the Mexican national team, welcomed Javier Aguirre on Monday as the new coach of Valencia.
He highlighted the coach’s ability to handle difficult situations, while also expressing his appreciation for the sporting director, Braulio Vázquez.
“I think the people of Valencia and Valencia fans are going to be very happy with your work.”
“You’ve got, as they say over there, a lot of experience (sic) with these kinds of situations. I think they couldn’t have picked a better coach for the situation they’re in.”
Guardado made this remark in a message addressed to the Mexican coach, which was posted on social media by Valencia, a club in LaLiga EA Sports (the Spanish First Division).
The former Valencia player said that Aguirre has the knowledge and experience needed to take on his new role at Mestalla.
“You’re sure to be very successful. You already have a great deal of experience, you know what you have to do, and, above all, they’re going to really identify with your approach to work,” he said (Filed under: Javier Aguirre returns to Spain with Valencia).
“We’re leaving the little shop in your care”
Guardado, who played under Aguirre during his tenure as Mexico’s national team coach, addressed the coach as “Vasco”—the nickname by which he is known worldwide—and sent him a message from afar:
“Just wanted to send you a big hello from here, from your home as well, and from the national team. You left us in charge of the shop here.”
The former Mexican international also took the opportunity to send his regards to Braulio Vázquez, Valencia’s sporting director, whom he described as a friend and whose abilities he highlighted.
“I’d also like to take this chance to send a big hug to Braulio, who is also a friend of mine and whom I care about deeply. I’m also well aware of his capabilities.”
“He’s not only demonstrated this during his previous stint at Valencia, but also throughout all his years at Osasuna,” he said (Filed under: Javier Aguirre returns to Spain with Valencia).
He is confident of success with Valencia
Guardado concluded his message with his best wishes for both of them:
“I wish you all the success in the world. You know where you stand, and I’m sure you’ll make this project a success.”
Andrés Guardado played for Valencia from 2012 to 2014, after joining from Deportivo de La Coruña.
During his two seasons at the Mestalla club, he played in 66 official matches before returning to German soccer on loan to Bayer Leverkusen and later joining PSV Eindhoven.
The Mexican was the second player from his country to play for Valencia, after Luis Flores, and he subsequently maintained his ties to the club and the city.
Guardado was honored by Valencia and the Mexican national team during the friendly match played in Puebla in 2024.
A match that ended in a 2-2 tie and in which the midfielder brought his international career to a close.
Now, from afar, the former Valencia player has expressed his support for Aguirre, who was officially introduced as Valencia’s new coach on Monday.
The Mexican coach has signed a contract through the end of the season, with the club holding an option to extend the contract for one more season (Filed under: Javier Aguirre returns to Spain with Valencia).
With information from EFE
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