Aguirre gets Rioja back, drops Copete and Foulquier
The Valencia coach has reviewed the status of his squad ahead of hosting Athletic Club on matchday 9. Luis Rioja is again available, while Copete and Foulquier will be left out of the squad. Aguirre also discussed Javi Guerra's role, Pepelu 's part in the team, Guido Rodríguez, and the options for the youth players.
Valencia CF
Rioja returns; Copete and Foulquier left out
Luis Rioja1.300.000€+110.000€-
MDJavier Aguirre confirmed that Luis Rioja is fully recovered and available to play against Athletic.
«Luis Rioja is ready to play», he said.
By contrast, Copete and Foulquier will not be included in the squad, although both are progressing well. The coach expects to have Copete back next week.
Sadiq is also close to returning, while Diego López and Sergi Canós continue with their respective recovery processes.
Javi Guerra will preferably play from inside
Javier Guerra2.860.000€+280.000€8
MDAguirre made it clear that he prefers to use Javi Guerra in interior positions, where he believes he can make better use of his dribbling and ability to beat lines.
«I think Javi Guerra is an inside player. He can be a double pivot or an eight, a six and even a ten», he explained.
With Rioja, Danjuma and Otorbi as alternatives on the wings, Guerra has fewer options to return to playing tucked in to the left.
Pepelu and Guido Rodríguez could form a partnership
Pepelu2.430.000€6
MDThe coach also praised the versatility of Pepelu, although he acknowledged that his intention is to move him back to the midfield.
«We are going to use him as a midfielder», he confirmed.
He also believes that Pepelu and Guido Rodríguez can play together in a double pivot, highlighting that the Argentine is his preferred option when he needs a lone defensive midfielder.
Hugo Duro keeps the faith and Otorbi gains prominence
Hugo Duro4.060.000€-10.000€1
DLAguirre played down the chance missed by Hugo Duro against Racing and said he sees him motivated and eager to improve.
He also highlighted the good moment of David Otorbi, whom he considers an important option on the wings.
As for the youth players Aaron Mayol and Aimar Blázquez, he valued their contribution, although he did not offer any clues about their chances of starting.
Doubts over the system against Athletic
The coach acknowledged that he will keep alternating between back fours and back fives, depending on the needs of the match.
Aguirre wants a more adventurous Valencia on the ball, especially at Mestalla, and he considers it a priority to improve defensive security without giving up on attacking.
With Rioja back and several options for the wings, the coach has more ways to change the starting XI compared to the last match.
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