Guido Rodríguez and José Gayà central to Javier Aguirre’s Valencia reset | OneFootball

Fresh off a long transatlantic flight, Javier Aguirre took charge at Paterna on Thursday, immediately leaning on captains José Gayà and Guido Rodríguez to drive Valencia’s recovery from the relegation places.

According to Superdeporte, club channels shared images of pitchside talks with the pair, signalling the importance of senior voices. Aguirre views morale as the priority before January, with Valencia 19th on four of 21 points.

The first session brought a clear change from Carlos Corberán’s tenure, with greater communication and closeness. Aguirre considered the intensity very high, while sporting director Braulio Vázquez and general manager Javier Solís watched from the touchline.

Assistant Toni Amor and fitness coach Pol Lorente led drills as Aguirre observed and spoke widely. He personally greeted every player, using former Mallorca charges José Copete and Pablo Maffeo to help him connect quickly with the group.

Individual gains are intended to lift the collective. Aguirre checked on Guido’s foot, sore after a stamp on his right toe against Alavés and felt again versus Real Sociedad, and sees him as vital to the team’s balance.

He has adjusted the schedule to get three days with the squad before a two-week build-up to Racing Santander at El Sardinero on 11 October. Saturday is no longer off, with training Friday and Saturday, then Sunday rest.

Aguirre will be presented on Monday after several sessions. The staff plan a friendly next week, or a run-out against Óscar Sánchez’s B team, as he pursues a recognisable, more competitive side and a renewed Mestalla in its final season on Avenida de Suècia.

Source: Superdeporte

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”