Alavés manager Quique Sánchez-Flores reflected on his career trajectory, the evolution of his coaching philosophy, and his current tenure in La Liga, telling EL MUNDO that the technical area is no longer a source of personal anguish.
“The bench is no longer a suffering for me,” Sánchez-Flores said in the interview with EL MUNDO. “It was. I had those moments in which I didn’t understand life well, and if you don’t do that, you don’t understand your profession well either. I am in another vital moment. But that doesn’t mean I work fewer hours, I just do it in a different way.”
The Peak at Atlético de Madrid and Defining Success
Looking back at his career highlights, Sánchez-Flores pointed to August 27, 2010, when he guided Atlético de Madrid to victory against Inter Milan in the UEFA Super Cup in Monaco. While acknowledging that trophy as the pinnacle in terms of silverware, the 59-year-old manager emphasized that other career achievements carried equal weight.
“In titles, yes, but at the level of objectives, all the ones I have achieved are extremely important,” Sánchez-Flores told EL MUNDO. He cited qualifying Valencia for the Champions League annually, rescuing Espanyol from a downward spiral into the top 10, and saving Getafe and Sevilla from extreme relegation battles as accomplishments that feel like winning trophies. He added that he relativizes major successes rather than anchoring himself to singular events.
Sánchez-Flores Balances Football Passion with Family Life
Before taking charge at Alavés, Sánchez-Flores accumulated extensive experience managing clubs across England, China, and the United Arab Emirates. He explained that taking extended pauses from management allowed him to recalibrate his personal and professional life.
“I have never stopped watching football,” he said, noting that the sport remains his primary passion alongside music, reading, and exercise. However, he stressed the importance of balancing his routine to spend adequate time with his children and friends. Reflecting on his global career moves, he noted that making a concerted effort to keep his family connected provided an expansive worldview and open-mindedness.
Reviving Mariano and Preparing for Elite Opposition
Addressing Alavés’ current campaign in Spain’s top flight, Sánchez-Flores discussed the psychological and tactical approach that revitalized forward Mariano. According to the manager, the key was helping the player shed immediate past baggage and focus entirely on elements within his control.
Alavés faces a demanding schedule in a league he regards alongside the English Premier League as the best in Europe. Preparing for opponents boasting deep rosters of international players presents distinct challenges, but Sánchez-Flores maintains that his coaching philosophy centers on keeping players happy, convinced, and inspired rather than driving them to counterproductive levels of tension.
Sánchez-Flores Prefers Top Leagues and Champions League Competition
Asked whether he would consider another major international post or return to elite European competition should the opportunity arise, Sánchez-Flores acknowledged his competitive nature. He stated a clear preference for working within the top leagues and competing in the UEFA Champions League, provided the right conditions align.
Alavés returns to competitive action in La Liga, where the squad continues its campaign under the guidance of the veteran Spanish coach.
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