Aguirre takes over at struggling Valencia after latest stint with Mexico at World Cup

Javier Aguirre, then head coach of Mexico, reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador. Pic:  Luke Hales/Getty Images

Javier Aguirre will take charge of a seventh different Spanish club after being hired by struggling Valencia on Wednesday, months after coaching his native Mexico at the World Cup.

The 67-year-old Aguirre’s third stint as Mexico coach ended with a last-16 loss to England in Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Now he has returned to club coaching in Spain, where he has previously led Osasuna, Atlético Madrid, Real Zaragoza, Espanyol, Leganés and most recently Mallorca from 2022-24.

Aguirre replaces Carlos Corberán, who was fired on Sept. 14 after Valencia lost four of its first five games, and has a deal until the end of the season.

The team is in next-to-last place in La Liga on four points from seven matches.

It completes an early-season reconstruction of Valencia’s soccer operations after its poor start in La Liga. When firing Corberán, Valencia also removed soccer chief executive Ron Gourlay and has since appointed Braulio Vázquez as sporting director.

Valencia said the club has the option to extend Aguirre’s contract for an additional year.

AP