The Mexican coach confirmed that the idea had been his, but said the change would not go ahead after he considered the history attached to the home bench. Valencia’s local dugout has traditionally been positioned on the left-hand side of the tunnel.
“Yes, it was my idea,” Aguirre said. “But it isn’t that important, and the argument of tradition is stronger. I’m not going to be the one to break with that tradition, and out of respect for the stadium and the supporters, it will stay where it is.”
Aguirre had initially asked the club to switch the home bench to the right-hand side ahead of Saturday’s match against Athletic Club. The proposed change would have broken with a custom that has lasted for more than a century at Mestalla, which is expected to host its final season before Valencia move to their new stadium.
The coach said he was neither superstitious nor stubborn and played down the significance of the reversal. “It was something that occurred to me, but it’s no big deal,” he added.
Aguirre has made a similar change during his coaching career. At Mallorca, he moved the home dugout at Son Moix, while other coaches have also opted to switch sides at their grounds.
Valencia’s decision to keep the bench in its familiar position means the club’s final season at Mestalla will continue without a change to one of the stadium’s most recognisable traditions.
Speaking ahead of the Athletic fixture, Aguirre also said his team needed to show courage and personality. He confirmed that Rioja was available, while Copete was not expected to return immediately. Diego López and Canós were also unavailable, and Umar Sadiq was close to being ready again.
AS reported on the proposed switch before Aguirre confirmed the reversal. The dugout issue had briefly threatened to become a talking point before the match, but his decision means the focus can return to Valencia’s preparations for Athletic Club.