Aguirre in talks with Valencia, already eyeing Pol Lorente from Mexico's national team

When a coach starts calling his trusted staff before he's even signed, it usually means the deal is nearly done. That's exactly what's happening with Javier Aguirre, who is on the verge of becoming the new coach of Valencia and is already moving pieces to build his coaching staff, even before putting pen to paper.

"El Vasco" still doesn't have a finalized contract with the Spanish club, but according to sources consulted, he has already reached out to several members of the staff who worked alongside him during his recent stint with the Mexican national team, with the idea of having them ready in case negotiations come together. That move has a direct impact in Mexico, right as "El Tri" prepares to begin a new cycle under Rafael Marquez.

Pol Lorente, the piece that matters most

Among those approached is a key name: Pol Lorente, the current fitness coach for the Mexican national team. This wouldn't be the first time Lorente has followed in Aguirre's footsteps: the Spaniard arrived in Mexico thanks to "El Vasco" himself and has become one of his closest collaborators in the most recent processes he's led.

In fact, when Lorente agreed to join Marquez's project, he did so under one clear condition: if Aguirre ever needed him, he would answer the call. Now that moment appears to have arrived, and Pol Lorente is reportedly ready to join Valencia alongside his former boss.

His contribution, though, goes well beyond the physical side. Lorente also works on group dynamics and has a hand in tactical matters, something that has earned him respect even among the players themselves. He's not just another fitness coach: he's someone who understands the locker room, and "El Vasco" values him across several areas of the team's day to day operations.

For Rafael Marquez, the situation isn't simple. If Lorente's departure is confirmed, the Mexican coach would only be able to count on him during the national team's presentation tour, scheduled for September and October, and would then have to find a replacement for a role that clearly carries far more weight than it might seem on paper.

Meanwhile, in Valencia the urgency is clear. The Spanish club sits second to last in the standings and needs a turnaround as soon as possible. Aguirre already has his sights set on September and October to try to salvage the season, and everything points to much of his trusted circle, starting with Lorente, joining him for this new challenge.