According to Matteo Moretto, the Mexican coach has emerged as the strongest option within the Valencia board led by Braulio Vázquez after Ernesto Valverde and José Luis Mendilibar turned down the chance to take charge of the Che club. His experience, having coached Osasuna, Atlético de Madrid, Real Zaragoza, Espanyol, Leganés and Mallorca in La Liga, as well as his character, have made him the leading candidate to become the new manager, although the decision is very likely to be made during the international break rather than abruptly.
Aguirre himself has reportedly given the project his approval, although he faces competition for the position from Eder Sarabia and Vicente Moreno. However, the Mexican, who left his country’s national team post after the World Cup, appears to be the frontrunner for the job.
HIS TIME AT REAL ZARAGOZA
'El Vasco' Aguirre joined Real Zaragoza in November 2010, when the team were bottom of the Primera División. The Mexican’s arrival ultimately had the desired effect, as he secured survival against Levante on the 38th matchday, a game surrounded by controversy over alleged payments to the Granotas players to throw the match.
Javier Aguirre remained in charge of the Blanquillo side the following season, but he was dismissed on December 30, 2011, because the team had gone nine matches without a win and were bottom of the table. In total, the Mexican coach managed Real Zaragoza for 45 matches, recording 13 wins, 10 draws and 22 defeats.
