Javier Aguirre has decided to break a tradition that has marked Valencia CF for more than a century. The new Mexican coach will change the side of his bench at the Mestalla Stadium, opting for the position on the right of the locker room tunnel instead of the usual left. This decision will be made public in Aguirre's first home game, on Saturday against Athletic Club, and will mark the team's last game at Mestalla before its move to the Nou Mestalla scheduled for the summer of 2027.
Valencia has maintained for decades that its coaches sit on the left side of the field, right next to the team locker room. Aguirre's choice to sit on the right is a departure from that custom, and his request was confirmed by the club through the local press. The exact reason for the request is unknown, although the coach had already made a similar request during his time at RCD Mallorca, where he also asked to lead from the right bench.
The change not only alters the coach's physical position, but also symbolizes a new tactical and personal approach. In his first matches at El Sardinero, Aguirre has shown a preference for organization from the right, which could influence the team's dynamics and the way in which game changes are managed. The decision has been communicated by the club through Tribuna Deportiva and confirmed by Mundo Deportivo, although details about the coach's motivation remain confidential.
In the match against Athletic, Valencia will have the opportunity to test this new configuration under the gaze of the fans and the media. The result of the match will not only determine the start of Aguirre's campaign, but will also serve as proof of the effectiveness of his bench choice.
With the 2026-27 season underway and the imminent move to the Nou Mestalla, the change of side of the bench can be considered a symbolic gesture that marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new phase for the club. Valencia fans will be watching how the match unfolds and whether this decision will have a tangible impact on the team's performance.