Braulio Vázquez: “Valencia CF is very special for me” | OneFootball

Braulio Vázquez held a press conference at his oficial presentation as Valencia CF’s Sporting Director on Wednesday.

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A message of thanks

This is a special day for me, because it represents my return home. First of all, I want to thank the very important people who did everything possible to ensure that I am here today: the president, as well as Javier Solís and Inma Ibáñez, who were persistent in bringing me back here. I also want to thank all the heads of departments present here; you can win or lose, but I believe they hold me in high regard, and that is what matters most to me. Finally, I’d like to acknowledge two friends who are here as well: José Jiménez and Voro.

Potential involvement in the departure of Carlos Corberán

I had nothing to do with it; it was a decision that had already been made. I hold him in high regard, both personally and professionally. He is a great coach.

Potential departures after Dr. Pedro López Mateu left the medical team

I haven't been here very long. I consider Pedro an excellent professional, but I think a change was needed. It is Valencia CF making the change; of course, I offer my opinion.

What convinced him to return to Valencia CF

The goal is to start competing right away. We can't ignore the reality: we are second from bottom in the LaLiga table. We are in a difficult situation. We want the team to compete -not that they haven't competed before. Setting long-term goals is all well and good, but we need to take things one step at a time. Now we have time to train and prepare, and then we’ll head to Santander for the game against Racing. We have to get ready for that day. Beyond whatever speech I might give you here -regardless of how well or poorly I speak- people want results, and I think we are showing that we can get them, little by little.

VCF Academy players

Let’s stay calm; they’ve only played two games for the first team. We are delighted that they can contribute. The VCF Academy isn't an emergency fix; it’s an added asset and part of our identity. These are players with a bright future whom we want to contribute to the team, but in accordance with a plan. This isn't my job alone, but that of the people who have been working on this for a long time.

Why he returned now

I’ve returned because it was now or never. I had opportunities with clubs other than Valencia CF, and I decided to stay because, whilst there was a mutual bond of affection in Pamplona, Valencia CF is very special to me.

What Valencia CF he would like to see

Last year, the Athletic Club president and coach came out and said the goal for them was simply to avoid

relegation, even though they were playing in the Champions League. You have to be realistic. The primary objective is to try to compete and for the coach to get to know the players; we have to acknowledge our current situation and the need to improve. Looking beyond that gets us nowhere.

A possible renewal for Jesús Vázquez

I’m coming to a club where my son is playing already; I didn't bring him here myself. Jesús has been here since he was five; everything he has achieved, he has achieved on his own. There were offers this summer, and the club decided not to accept them. I treat him just like any other player -like a professional at Valencia CF.

Reasons to come back to Valencia CF

Clearly, I can make a contribution and add value. I could have comfortably stayed on at CA Osasuna for a few more years, but this is Valencia CF. Joining Valencia CF is a huge thing. I’m not coming here because of the new stadium -which is fantastic- but because it’s Valencia CF. That kind of connection can sometimes make things tougher, but for me, it actually fuels even more excitement and ambition to give my best so that Valencia CF can move forward.

The choice of Javier Aguirre as coach

You all know Aguirre. He was in Los Angeles the other day, and after the match in Vitoria, we spent over an hour in the early hours of the morning talking about the team. He asked for match footage to analyse the squad, and coming here is a challenge for him. He is coming from coaching in Mexico -which is no small task- so this represents a significant challenge for him.

His communication with Kiat Lim

We are in constant communication with Kiat through video calls and messages; I have that line of communication. He asks for my opinions, and I pass them on to him. He is occupied and concerned about Valencia CF doing well. That is what I can tell you.

What he has found at the club

I haven't been here very long. I’ve met people I appreciate on a personal level. The club has grown. There are situations you can imagine from the outside, but to truly assess things, you need to spend a reasonable amount of time on the inside.

Javier Aguirre’s contract and the possibility of Ernesto Valverde coming in next season

We have already spoken. We had that conversation the other day. We would like to bring in a centre back, besides dealing with the injury issues we are facing. I do not have a coach signed for next season yet. Even if we don't qualify for Europe, that doesn't mean Javier Aguirre staying on is ruled out if we are happy with him. I speak with Ernesto Valverde every week; he is a friend of mine, just like Unai Emery. No one is considering the possibility of him coming here.

The project

We want people to identify with the team, for the VCF Academy to play a significant role, and to have players who provide stability. Take Guido and Mayol as examples; that’s the kind of thing I’d like to see. We’re currently 19th; we have a problem regarding our league position, and we need to climb out of that situation. As for the project, we can discuss it further once I have a better understanding of the club, the squad, and everything else, but it is crucial to have players like Guido in various positions, as well as players from the VCF Academy.

The free agent market

It’s worth evaluating, but the free agents haven't competed for several months.

Whether he believes what was said to him

I can tell you that I put forward Javier Aguirre's name and prepared a report to appoint him, and here we are. I believe in what I am seeing. I have been speaking with Kiat for several days, and I believe in everything we have discussed. I cannot tell you otherwise. I cannot say what will happen in the future; I can only speak from my experience and about the present. What I discussed with him is coming through.

A possible extension for Aguirre

There is no need to disclose every clause. It is true that we have clauses to extend his contract, as well as internal clauses that don't need to be revealed. Ultimately, however, there are many ways to be satisfied with a coach. Above all, we have to judge things on a day-to-day basis. You might achieve a goal, only for the team to perform worse the following year. Part of my job is to anticipate potential scenarios that might arise. There is no coach signed for next year.

The winter transfer window

I’m not going to give away any plans for the transfer market.

The type of squad he wants to build

One thing is the perception gained from watching games, but you also have to look at the team from the inside, and see how the players are performing. The players are people, too; there are many factors to analyse, and I need time.

The plan for Gayà

José made his debut when I was the sporting director, in the game at Llagostera. You can imagine the affection I have for him. We will assess his situation; he is a club legend.

Profiles for the sports management

We are a small team, and we are considering bringing on more profiles.

Why he recommended Aguirre

One of his key strengths is managing the grouo. He is not daunted by the situation. He was the one who insisted on including one of the clauses. He is very ambitious. He knows where he comes from, and we need someone who isn't afraid of challenges. He is not at all intimidated by Valencia CF; he knows LaLiga, has experience, and is ready.

His ideal structure

My approach involves working closely with the coach, keeping financial factors in mind, and staying hands-on with day-to-day operations. It’s about more than just making signings; it’s about getting players like Sadiq and César back to their best. It means staying on top of evolving needs, such as when players get injured, and being prepared for any situation. It’s about understanding what makes a player perform better, and that is exactly what I am focused on.

Possible open training sessions

The relationship between the team and the fans is crucial. I remember when we were in the Champions League; you were all proud to travel to the games. It’s hard to make comparisons with Osasuna, as they are the only club in Spain with that kind of culture -something that used to surprise the coaches I spoke with. I’ve seen many games at Mestalla, and what stands out to me is how the stadium rallied behind the team after Real Sociedad scored their second goal. Mestalla is a stadium that gives back just as much as you put into it. That is the way forward. Of course, you still have to win.

His initial assessment of the season

I liked the team's performance against Real Betis; the match against RC Celta was a very tight affair. In my opinion, playing three games in six days is detrimental for us. But I’m not looking for excuses. What would have happened if Otorbi had scored in Seville? There are no absolute truths in football. I am satisfied with the players' commitment.