Javier Aguirre Emerges as Valencia’s Leading Candidate After Corberan Exit

Valencia are exploring the appointment of Javier Aguirre after Carlos Corberan’s dismissal, with the experienced Mexican coach emerging as a leading option for the vacant post. The club are not expected to make an immediate decision, however, and interim manager Oscar Sanchez will take charge again against Real Sociedad this weekend.

Key takeaways

• Valencia have opened contact with Javier Aguirre’s representatives over the managerial vacancy.
• Corberan was removed after collecting only one point from his first five league matches.
• Oscar Sanchez led Valencia to a 1-0 victory against Alaves on Tuesday.
• The result moved Los Che up to 17th in La Liga, with four points.
• Club officials intend to complete the search during the forthcoming international break.

Aguirre considered a realistic candidate

Sporting director Braulio Vazquez sees Aguirre, 67, as a strong candidate to lead Valencia through their difficult start to the season. His leadership credentials and long record in Spanish football have made him an appealing option as the club seek a permanent successor to Corberan.

Talks are still at an initial stage, but a return to La Liga is regarded as a feasible outcome for Aguirre. Known as El Vasco, he has previously managed six Spanish clubs: Osasuna, Atletico Madrid, Espanyol, Zaragoza, Leganes and Mallorca.

Aguirre has been unattached since guiding Mexico into the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. England ended Mexico’s tournament in the knockout round, after which Aguirre opted to step away from coaching temporarily. He subsequently declined opportunities to take charge of Ecuador and South Korea.

Valencia had also sounded out former Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde, but that avenue did not progress. The club then shifted their focus towards Aguirre as they assessed candidates with the experience to stabilise the side.

Sanchez to continue against Real Sociedad

Valencia will leave Sanchez in temporary charge for the weekend meeting with Real Sociedad. His first match at the helm ended in a valuable 1-0 home win over Alaves on Tuesday, delivering the team’s first significant lift after Corberan’s troubled five-match opening sequence.

The Alaves result took Valencia to four points and 17th position, though the club remain close to the relegation places. Rather than appointing a new manager before the Real Sociedad fixture, the hierarchy plan to use the international window to conclude the transition and decide whether Aguirre will be the man to take the role permanently.