Aguirre confirms Rioja is out, gets Danjuma back and opens the door for Harvey Elliott and Sato against Racing
The new Valencia head coach has reviewed the status of his squad ahead of making his debut on the bench against Racing. Javier Aguirre confirmed that Luis Rioja will not be available, while Danjuma will be able to take part. He also praised Harvey Elliott and Sato, left the door open for academy players and acknowledged that he still has several doubts about the squad selection and the playing system.
Valencia CF
Luis Rioja, descartado; Danjuma estará disponible
Luis Rioja1.440.000€?
MDOne of the main pieces of news for fantasy users is the situation of Luis Rioja and Arnaut Danjuma, about whom Aguirre was especially clear.
«Rioja sure won’t make it. My experience tells me I’m not going to take him, even though he’s doing a lot of things. Danjuma, yes»
So, Rioja will be ruled out for this matchday, as the coaching staff would rather not rush his return despite progress in his recovery.
Danjuma2.770.000€-170.000€?
DLThe good news is Danjuma’s availability, who will be in the coach’s plans for the game against Racing, although Aguirre did not confirm whether he will start.
Harvey Elliott gains options with the new coach
Harvey Elliot2.710.000€+230.000€?
MDAguirre also had positive words for Harvey Elliott, highlighting his quality, his attitude and the physical improvement he has seen during training.
«I see him sharper. [...] I’m delighted with his attitude. He has a lot of quality. He’s a Valencia player and we have to get the best out of him»
In addition, the coach left open the possibility that he could play a prominent role from his first game on the bench.
«He’s a useful player and could, of course, play»
Those comments are a positive sign for Elliott, who could gain more prominence with Aguirre’s arrival, although there are still no guarantees about his presence in the starting XI.
Sato convinces Aguirre after returning early from Japan
Sato2.920.000€-120.000€?
MDAnother standout name was Sato, whose attitude has made a good impression on the new coach.
The player decided to bring forward his return from international commitments and rejoined without showing any signs of fatigue from the trip.
«He didn’t show any signs of fatigue or jet lag. I really liked his attitude. He’s an electric player, very capable with the ball at his feet», Aguirre said.
The coach also praised his adaptation and his work during training, although he admitted he is still looking for the position where Sato can deliver his best performance.
Javi Guerra and the academy will get opportunities
Javier Guerra2.240.000€+150.000€?
MDAsked about Valencia’s young players, Aguirre made it clear that age will not be a factor when choosing his lineup.
The coach highlighted the talent of academy players like Mayol, Otorbi and Aimar, saying they will get opportunities if they prove they are ready.
«I don’t focus on whether he has played a match or 200. If he’s good during the week and he has to play, he will»
He also mentioned Javi Guerra and Jesús Vázquez as examples of the good work being done by Valencia’s academy.
His comments leave the door open for the youngsters to gain more prominence in the coming matchdays, although he did not confirm any specific starting spots.
Three or four players, pending the final medical assessment
Aguirre admitted that he still hasn’t finalized his first squad call-up because there are three or four players whose availability is still pending a final medical evaluation.
«We haven’t made the list yet because I still need the final check-in with the doctors. There are three or four players who are either a yes or a no»
The coach said he was satisfied with the progress of the injured players during the break, noting that several players have gradually returned to training.
However, he avoided identifying all the players who are still in doubt.
Aguirre tests different systems for his debut
One of the big fantasy unknowns is the system Valencia will use against Racing.
Aguirre acknowledged that during training he has tried variations with a back line of four and of five defenders, as well as different midfield movements.
«We tried with one man who would tuck in between the centre-backs, and with two centre-backs as well. We tried things to get to know the players»
The coach believes the systems are dynamic and that the key will be finding the formula that allows them to make the most of their players’ characteristics.
So, position changes and new faces in Aguirre’s first XI are not ruled out, although he has not yet offered any definitive clues.
A more intense, competitive Valencia against Racing
Finally, Aguirre explained what he wants to bring to the team since taking charge of the dugout.
The coach wants an intense Valencia, solid in defence and with personality when they have the ball.
«My teams are defined by running and fighting a lot. [...] You’ll never see one of my teams be apathetic or indifferent»
He also said he has found a squad eager to prove themselves after the recent results and believes they can show a better version of themselves.
For fantasy users, the main focus will be on Aguirre’s first lineup, especially the roles Danjuma, Elliott, Sato and the academy players could take on, as well as any possible tactical changes from the team.
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