Mexican coach Javier Aguirre has confirmed that he will not change the location of the home bench at the Mestalla, keeping it on the left side of the locker room tunnel. The decision was made out of respect for the 103 years of tradition of the Valencian stadium, as explained in the press conference prior to the match against Athletic Club.
Aguirre recalled that the idea of moving the bench arose from his own initiative, but since he did not consider it important enough, he chose to preserve the club's custom. “The strongest argument is tradition, the 103 years of Mestalla in the same place,” he said, underlining his desire not to break with the history of the stadium or with the fans.
The coach also clarified that he is not superstitious or stubborn, and that the change proposal was not something that would keep him up at night. “It wasn't what kept me up at night, it occurred to me, but nothing happens either,” he added, downplaying the importance of the proposal that will ultimately not be carried out.
The bench located to the left of the locker room tunnel will continue to be that of Valencia, as have all the coaches who have led the club at the Mestalla. The team, which is in its last season in the competition, will continue with its tradition intact while Aguirre leads the team on the field.