La Liga
Aguirre Tests Midfield Reshuffle with Pepelu Alongside Guido for Athletic Clash
Valencia manager Aguirre is preparing for the upcoming fixture against Athletic by testing Pepelu in a double pivot alongside Guido, whilst maintaining a four-man defensive line.
Oct 16, 2026, 9:08 AM | 1-2 min read | By Wadi Goal Editorial Team

Preparations are in full swing for the upcoming encounter against Athletic Club, with tactical adjustments taking centre stage on the training pitch. Manager Aguirre has begun outlining his structural plan for the fixture, focusing heavily on solidifying the central areas of the pitch while maintaining defensive discipline against tough opposition.
The most notable tactical development during recent drills involves the engine room. Aguirre has been actively testing the return of Pepelu into a double pivot role, placing him directly alongside Guido. This central pairing is being evaluated to establish tactical balance, ensuring smooth transitions and reinforcing presence in both defensive duties and possession phases.
In addition to the central midfield modifications, the manager is fine-tuning the defensive setup. The tactical sessions have seen the team working with a four-man backline. This defensive arrangement reflects how the side finished their recent clash against Racing, showing that Aguirre wants to build on that late-game configuration heading into the Athletic test.
With the clash against Athletic on the horizon, the coaching staff will continue assessing how this setup performs throughout remaining sessions. The pairing of Pepelu and Guido, operating just in front of a balanced back four, could form the primary tactical foundation for the team as they target a disciplined and compact performance.
