Aguirre’s Penultimate Whiskey on Montjuïc: Nostalgia, Legends, and a Historic Mallorca

An illustrious figure in football history, Javier “El Vasco” Aguirre stands as a resilient relic of the old school, weathering the storm of time and adapting to the evolving landscape of modern football. At 65, the Mexican coach remains the last bastion of the bygone era in Spanish football, navigating through new technologies, tactical variations, and specialized approaches.

Known for his iconic tenure with Osasuna, where names like Delporte, Valdo, Puñal, and Pablo García carved their mark, Aguirre’s legacy extends beyond borders. After coaching stints in Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and a return to Mexico, one might have thought the prime of “El Vasco” had concluded. However, Mallorca entrusted him with their fate in the midst of a relegation battle.

Aguirre secured salvation at the last gasp, imprinting his legend on the island. Following his impactful spells in Pamplona and Zaragoza, he endeared himself to Mallorca fans, steering the team with a vintage style of direct, intense football that capitalizes on opponents’ errors while minimizing their own.

This historic season sees Aguirre lead Mallorca to a Copa del Rey final after 21 years, employing a game plan with a touch of nostalgia. A focal point in the attack is Muriqi, orchestrating plays with extensions, drops, and the involvement of wing-backs, all while demanding maximum effort from every player.

In a recent conversation with SPORT, Juankar, who played under Aguirre at Zaragoza in the 2011/2012 season, shared fond memories of the Mexican coach. “I have an incredible memory of him. From day one, he treated me like his son with great affection. A perfect person, a spectacular ’10’. I have an indelible memory.”

Describing Aguirre’s methods, Juankar mentioned intensity and passion. “We all know him for the ‘damn’ and those things he says. I always thought and still think of him as a top-notch coach. People like him deserve the best, as evident in how he always conducts himself properly and politely. I hold great affection for him.”

Now, with two whiskies on ice awaiting him, the first at Montjuïc this Friday and the second at La Cartuja against Athletic on April 6th, Aguirre continues to script a remarkable chapter in Mallorca’s football history.