Valencia rushes new goalkeeping coach as Aguirre's three‑match spell stalls

While Javier Aguirre has overseen only three league games and failed to lift Valencia out of the relegation zone, the club has already moved to reshape his backroom staff, appointing former Barcelona goalkeeping coach Unai Alba to bolster the squad’s fortunes.

The 'Vasco' Valencia entered his role with little time to turn fortunes around, and Con just three matches on the bench he has not managed to escape the drop zone. The board’s urgency is evident as they seek immediate improvement.

Spanish press Valencia will reinforce the coaching team with a new goalkeeping coach. Futbol highlighted the decision as a response to the ongoing crisis of results.

New goalkeeping coach arrives

Unai Alba will work alongside Andoni Ochotorena with the first‑team and in the Academy, and his contract is set to run until 30 June 2027. The appointment is expected to be made official on Tuesday.

Alba, a native of the Basque Country, first joined Valencia’s youth set‑up in 2014 before moving to Barcelona’s reserve side as a goalkeeping coach in December 2023. After almost three years with the culés he returns to the Ciudad Deportiva de Paterna to collaborate closely with Aguirre.

Five top‑flight teams start the Copa del Rey on Tuesday

In his farewell post on social media he thanked Barcelona, mentioning Rafael Márquez among his collaborators, and wrote, "Perdónenme si en algún momento no estuve a la altura con alguno de vosotros". The club confirmed that his arrival is a decision made solely by Valencia.

According to AS, Aguirre had hoped to bring former keeper coach Joseba Ituarte back, but the club only permitted Toni Amor and Pol Llorente to join as assistants.

Upcoming fixtures offer a lifeline

The next challenge arrives on Wednesday 28 October, when Valencia travel to Tavernes for the First Round of the Copa del Rey, a match scheduled for 14:00 Central Mexico time and a chance for the 'Vasco' to claim his first win.

In LaLiga, Valencia face Elche, coached by Martín Anselmi, at the Estadio Martínez Valero on Sunday 1 November at 11:30. A victory, combined with a loss for Getafe or Rayo Vallecano, could lift the club out of the relegation zone.