Valverde was never a real option for Valencia: Braulio reveals why

Valencia reacted quickly to the crisis on their bench. After the exit of Carlos Corberán, Javier Aguirre took charge in Paterna with the team in the relegation zone. Yet in the hours after the dismissal, Ernesto Valverde's name appeared strongly in the conversation. Now, sporting director Braulio Vázquez has confirmed what many suspected: the former Athletic coach was never a realistic target because he had already made it clear he wanted a sabbatical year.

• Braulio Vázquez denies Valverde was a real option for the Valencia bench.
• Valverde warned before leaving Athletic that he planned to take a break.
• Javier Aguirre signs with Valencia until the end of the season.
• Valencia sit second from bottom with four points from seven matches.
• Braulio does not rule out keeping Aguirre if he does a great job.

What happened with Valverde's potential move to Valencia

The sacking of Carlos Corberán created an urgent situation at Mestalla. With Valencia second from bottom and under pressure to react, rumors placed Ernesto Valverde among the candidates. The speculation was fueled by his strong relationship with Braulio Vázquez, who had already hired him at Valencia for the 2012-13 season. But the option faded as quickly as it emerged.

Braulio was direct in an interview with Radioestadio Noche on Onda Cero. The Galician explained that his bond with Valverde goes beyond professional matters and that they speak regularly, sometimes every week or two. That closeness, however, did not turn a return to Mestalla into a real possibility. On the contrary, the sporting director knew Valverde was not going to coach this season.

Ernesto, are you going to keep coaching? You are crazy, I need to rest. And I am so comfortable talking to him that I knew he was not going to coach. For now he is not going to coach, so he could never be a real option because right now he will be taking photos.

Why Braulio's friendship with Valverde was not enough

The connection between Braulio Vázquez and Ernesto Valverde is well known in Spanish football. They worked together at Valencia in the 2012-13 campaign and have kept a friendship that has lasted over time. That closeness was the main argument for those who saw Valverde's arrival as a logical move.

But Braulio admitted he did not even consider making a formal approach. He understood that Valverde needed to stop after his time at Athletic, where the coach had said in his final weeks that he intended to take a break. The sporting director confirmed that, for now, Valverde will not return to coaching and that his current life is away from football.

Javier Aguirre, the man chosen to rescue Valencia

With Valverde ruled out, Valencia turned to Javier Aguirre. The Mexican coach arrives at Mestalla with the mission of pulling the team away from the bottom of the table. This is not the first time he has taken on a high-pressure challenge: his last LaLiga jobs at Mallorca and Leganés also came in difficult contexts.

Braulio backed the appointment and stressed that Aguirre is not afraid of the challenge. Far from it, the opportunity to manage a club with Valencia's history excites him. For the sporting director, the Mexican brings a type of squad management that could be crucial in a young dressing room under pressure from the standings.

What Aguirre's contract with Valencia says until the end of the season

Javier Aguirre has signed with Valencia until the end of the current season. The deal includes a clause that would automatically extend his contract until the 2027-28 campaign if the team qualifies for European competition. That scenario looks far away today, but it would give the Mexican the chance to build a longer-term project.

Braulio went further, though, and did not rule out keeping Aguirre even if that target is not met. If the coach does a great job and the team responds, the door would remain open. The sporting director said he has nothing closed with any coach for next season, leaving room to evaluate the team's performance until June.

Mestalla in the relegation zone: Valencia's difficult moment

Valencia currently sit second from bottom in LaLiga with just four points from seven matches. Carlos Corberán was dismissed after a very poor start to the season, with the team lacking solidity and unable to move away from the lower positions.

Faced with that situation, Braulio spoke about the need to change the mood inside the squad. In his view, Aguirre can bring empathy with the players and help reduce tension. He believes that emotional factor is as important as the tactical side when it comes to adding points and moving away from relegation.

Valverde and Valencia in 2026: a door open for the future

Reporters also asked Braulio whether Valverde could be an option for Valencia next season. The sporting director did not close the door, but he did not confirm any talks either. His answer focused on the immediate present and the confidence placed in Aguirre.

Braulio's message makes one thing clear: Valencia have no coach tied down for 2026-27. If Aguirre convinces, he will stay. If not, the club will explore the market. In that context, Valverde's name could resurface, but for now the priority is to save a season that has been complicated from the start.