Javier Aguirre confronts Mestalla and points out the lack of forwards

Javier Aguirre was involved in a confrontation with Valencia CF fans during the draw against Athletic Club.

Raúl Cabrera Jiménez | 18 Oct 2026 | 16.30
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Javier Aguirre faces Mestalla and points out the lack of forwards
Javier Aguirre faces Mestalla and points out the lack of forwards

La Liga
1 X 2
Real Madrid Sevilla
18/10/26 21:00:00
1.22 6.25 10.00

Latest news from Valencia CF: Javier Aguirre was involved in a verbal altercation with several Valencia CF fans during the 0-0 draw against Athletic Club played this Saturday October 17 at Mestalla. As reported by Deportes COPE Valencia, the Mexican coach responded with a firm “There are no forwards!” when fans from the stands demanded he introduce more attackers to try to secure the victory.

The incident occurred in a match corresponding to the ninth round of LaLiga, leaving Valencia in the second-to-last position with six points. The team has yet to secure a win since Aguirre took over the helm, a situation that is increasing pressure on the coach and the squad.

Javier Aguirre recognizes Valencia CF's offensive limitations

Javier Aguirre's response to the fans places the spotlight on one of Valencia CF's main sporting issues: the lack of offensive alternatives available to change the course of matches.

During the match against Athletic Club, the Mexican coach decided to substitute Hugo Duro in the 54th minute to bring on David Otorbi, a 19-year-old winger. In that same substitution, Luis Rioja also entered the game, replacing Dani Raba.

These changes aimed to alter Valencia's attack, but they were not enough to break the deadlock. Otorbi provided speed and width on the wing, yet the team once again failed to score in front of their fans.

This situation is partially explained by absences in the squad. Umar Sadiq was still unavailable for the match, although Aguirre had mentioned in a press conference that his recovery was imminent.

Added to this is the lack of accuracy from Arnaut Danjuma, a 29-year-old Dutch forward, who has gone 31 consecutive LaLiga matches without scoring, including games played before the clash with Athletic.

His last league goal came on September 30, 2025, precisely at a time when Valencia needs to increase their offensive output to climb out of the relegation zone.

Valencia CF - Valencia News | EL MUNDO

Valencia CF still fails to react in LaLiga

The draw against Athletic Club once again highlighted Valencia CF's difficulties in converting their chances into goals. The team had opportunities to take the lead, especially through Javi Guerra and Arnaut Danjuma, but they were unable to beat Unai Simón.

The match also marked Aguirre's debut as Valencia's coach at Mestalla. The Mexican had emphasized in the build-up the need to show character and achieve results that would help the team move out of the relegation zone.

However, the 0-0 extended the poor form of the Valencia team, which has now gone five consecutive winless home matches and remains far from the results needed to improve their league position.

The reaction from the stands during the match reflects the discontent of fans demanding immediate solutions. The response from the coach, captured by Deportes COPE Valencia, exposes the challenges he faces in introducing offensive alternatives from the bench.

The transfer market emerges as a possible solution for Valencia CF

Javier Aguirre's remarks also spark discussion about the need to strengthen Valencia CF's forward line in the upcoming transfer window.

The Mexican coach revealed before the Athletic match that he had held talks with the sporting director regarding squad planning, though he made it clear that his immediate focus was on earning points.

Currently, no specific operation has been confirmed to bring in a new forward, but the team's offensive struggles could become a key aspect of the sporting plan.

The next significant decision will be to see if Umar Sadiq can return to the squad and provide Aguirre with another attacking option. His recovery will allow for a more precise assessment of Valencia CF's needs before the winter transfer market opens.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Javier Aguirre se encara con Mestalla y señala la falta de delanteros