Javier Aguirre tests Pepelu and Guido as Valencia’s double pivot

Valencia, under Javier Aguirre, keeps fine-tuning its game plan ahead of hosting Athletic Club at Mestalla this Saturday, and Wednesday’s training offered a clear clue: the coach again tested Pepelu in the double pivot alongside Guido Rodríguez.

Double pivot in training

Aguirre set up a back four to free Pepelu from the central-defender duties he’s been covering since the start of the season, in a 1-4-2-3-1 shape. The idea is to put Pepelu back in his more natural “engine room” role, where the coach believes he can bring leadership, decision-making and tactical balance—also helping Guido, who isn’t yet in the best condition to carry a full match.

As MARCA noted, the adjustment had already been hinted at during the previous two weeks of work, but Aguirre had to change course in his debut against Racing due to César Tárrega’s physical issues and defensive problems. That forced Pepelu to drop back to play as a center-back and reinforce a back-five.

Ryunosuke Sato as a left option

Another item from the session was Ryunosuke Sato trialing on the left. He emerges as an alternative for a flank affected by Luis Rioja’s injury, with Rioja not completing recovery as planned: Sato did part of the session with the group, but he’s still working through issues in the sole of his foot, which already kept him out of the last match.