Javier Aguirre Breaks a Historic Valencia Tradition
Javier Aguirre has made a surprising decision that will change a tradition spanning more than 100 years at Valencia. The Mexican coach requested that the home team's bench be moved at Mestalla, with the change set to debut against Athletic Club.
Javier Aguirre is just beginning his tenure as Valencia head coach, but he has already made a decision that will mark a historic change at one of Spanish soccer's most iconic stadiums.
The Mexican manager requested that the home team's bench be relocated at Mestalla, breaking a tradition that had remained in place for more than a century at Valencia's home ground.
According to information first reported by Tribuna Deportiva and confirmed by EFE through club sources, Aguirre asked for his team to occupy the bench located to the right of the tunnel leading to the locker rooms.
Historically, Valencia's coaches had always been positioned on the left side, right next to the home locker room, an arrangement that had remained virtually unchanged throughout the stadium's history.
However, the Mexican coach decided to alter this longstanding custom, although the reasons behind his request have not been publicly disclosed.
Valencia Will Debut Its New Bench Location Against Athletic Club
The change will take effect this Saturday when Valencia hosts Athletic Club at Mestalla, marking Javier Aguirre's first home match as head coach.
The Mexican had already made his debut in charge of the team during its visit to Racing de Santander at El Sardinero, but he will now make his first appearance in front of the home supporters.
The modification carries special significance because it comes during what is expected to be the club's final season at its historic stadium.
Valencia plans to move to Nou Mestalla in the summer of 2027, meaning Aguirre's decision represents one of the last major changes at the century-old venue.
Javier Aguirre Had Already Made a Similar Decision at Mallorca
This is not the first time Javier Aguirre has requested this type of change during his coaching career in Spanish soccer.
While managing Mallorca, the Mexican coach also asked for the home team's bench to be moved to the right side of the locker room tunnel.
Although it remains unclear whether the decision is based on tactical considerations or personal preference, the precedent shows that he had made the same request at a previous club.
As a result, Aguirre is already leaving a distinctive mark on Mestalla as he begins his journey with Valencia, even before taking charge of his first home match.
Key Takeaways
- Javier Aguirre requested that Valencia's home bench be relocated.
- The team will occupy the right side of the locker room tunnel at Mestalla.
- The decision breaks a tradition spanning more than 100 years.
- The change will debut against Athletic Club this Saturday.
- Aguirre had previously made a similar request while managing Mallorca.
- Valencia plans to move to Nou Mestalla in the summer of 2027.
