Monchi has never been one to close doors, which saw him end up at Aston Villa, and his latest comments may have sent a ripple of excitement through Valencia.
Speaking ahead of their clash with Sevilla this weekend, the director of football surprised everyone by openly entertaining the idea of a future move to the Mestalla. That would be his first big job since Aston Villa.
“I’m not closing the door on anything, but it has to be something that motivates me,” he said, via Estadio Deportivo.
He then reminded listeners that any return to professional football must include CD San Fernando “as part of the equation.”
Valencia project still appeals to Monchi
“It’s a beautiful city and an interesting project, but they haven’t called me,” he added.
“It saddens me to see Valencia CF like this, because for me it’s the fourth best team in Spain.”
He places the club just behind the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid.
Existing relationship with Carlos Corberán
Madrid, Spain – December 13, 2025: League match between Atletico Madrid and Valencia CF played in Madrid. Valencia FC players during the match. EA Sports League.
Any move to Valencia would see him link up with coach Carlos Corberán, a man he knows well. In fact, the pair were neighbours when he was at Aston Villa.
“We were neighbours in Birmingham, and we’ve had dinner a few times,” he admitted. Corberán of course, was previously manager at West Bromwich Albion.
He has long been under pressure at the Mestalla, despite avoiding relegation last season and Valencia sitting six points clear at this point in time. Monchi, though, insists that he is a fan.
“The track record of last season and the ability he has shown, I think, is what has made them stick with him for so long, despite having suspicious numbers,” he concluded.
Could Monchi be tempted back to the elite?
A respected sporting director, a fallen giant of Spanish football, and a coach he once bumped into on the streets of Birmingham, the ingredients are all there.
Now Valencia fans are left wondering. Could this unexpected flirtation could one day become something more?
The question is whether Monchi can be tempted back to the big time. He appeared to have stepped away from the limelight after leaving Aston Villa last summer to take charge of his hometown club San Fernando.
The chance to revive Valencia, alongside Corberán, could prove too much, though. He’s certainly leaving the door open either way.