Javier Aguirre confirmed he will remain on the left side of the Mestalla bench, respecting the century‑old tradition, as he told reporters before Saturday’s clash with Athletic Club.
“It was my idea, but tradition matters more. The 103 years of Mestalla have always sat there; I won’t be the one to break that respect for the stadium, fans, and bench,” the Mexican manager said.
Aguirre also downplayed the aborted plan, noting it never kept him up at night. “It was a fleeting thought, nothing serious. I’m not superstitious nor stubborn. Just a perfectly ordinary guy,” he added.
Initially, Tribuna Deportiva reported—and Mundo Deportivo later confirmed—that the bench shift would debut with the Mexican’s first appearance at Mestalla this Saturday. The club has now scrapped that change and will stick to the usual layout.
For my money, honoring such customs fuels Valencia’s identity. Will this adherence to tradition influence the team’s performance this season?