Javier Aguirre switches Valencia’s bench at Mestalla

Javier Aguirre, Valencia’s head coach, has decided to move the home bench at Mestalla: the team will now sit on the opposite side from the one long used as a tradition. The change is set to be used this weekend against Athletic.

According to MARCA, it’s not a matter of capacity or comfort, since both benches have the same size and number of seats. Aguirre had already pushed a similar switch during his time at Mallorca, at Son Moix, and now repeats it in Valencia.

The move also changes the traditional route out to the pitch, previously linked to a more direct exit from the local dressing room via the left side. With the switch, the home bench will be closer to the assistant referee.