Javier Aguirre appointed Valencia head coach as LaLiga strugglers seek revival

Javier Aguirre returns to LaLiga with Valencia

Valencia have appointed Javier Aguirre as their new head coach, bringing the experienced Mexican manager back to LaLiga after a two-year spell in charge of Mexico.

Aguirre has agreed a contract running until the end of the campaign, with an option for Valencia to retain him for a second season. He takes over with the club 19th in LaLiga after collecting only four points from their opening seven matches.

The appointment follows the dismissal of Carlos Corberan, who was sacked just two months after extending his contract until 2028. Oscar Sanchez briefly assumed interim control, guiding Valencia to their first victory of the season against Alaves before a 3-2 defeat by Real Sociedad last Sunday.

Aguirre brings extensive LaLiga experience

The 67-year-old arrives with a substantial record in Spanish football. He has managed 468 LaLiga matches, the fifth-highest total by a foreign coach in the competition’s history, and will become the fourth foreign manager to take charge of seven different LaLiga clubs.

Before returning to Spain, Aguirre spent two years leading Mexico. He guided the national team to the World Cup round of 16 but announced before the tournament that he would leave, with Rafael Marquez appointed as his successor. Mexico were beaten 3-2 by 10-man England on home soil, ending their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 1986.

Valencia debut scheduled for October

Aguirre’s previous club role was with Mallorca, whom he helped avoid relegation in the 2021-22 season. He also led the island club to the 2024 Copa del Rey final, where Mallorca lost to Athletic Club on penalties before the manager departed that summer.

His first match in charge of Valencia will be away to Racing de Santander on October 11. His home debut is scheduled for October 17 against Athletic Club.