Quique Sánchez Flores: “I made a mistake on Sunday and on Monday I collect an award”
“I thank the directors, the Club, the players and the supporters”
Quique Sánchez Flores, manager of Atlético de Madrid, received the special award from the sports daily Marca as manager of the Europa League and European SuperCup champions, titles won in 2010. The award has handed out by Eduardo Inda, the Director of Marca. But after taking the stage, he went to greet Alfredo di Stéfano, President of Honor of Real Madrid, with whom he shares a special relationship. He commented on this after receiving the award. “Before I get started, it was impossible not to say hello to Alfredo because he was, and continue to be, everything for me. He was a father, a coach, a former coach, a friend… I see you, I see Sara, her aunt and everybody, part of my world. Therefore, it’s a pleasure that you’re here with me, Alfredo.”
Then the ‘rojiblanco’ head coach wanted to be thankful for the prize. “A year ago, or not quite, I attended this gala coincidentally because I’d just signed with Atlético de Madrid, with my Club. And the truth is that I was almost unaware of what I was getting into, but that forms part of football. And, one year later, we’re here celebrating these types of situations. In some way, this is a message to encourage managers, a completely difficult and complicated world in which things change from one day to the next. I want to send the message that everything is possible built on perseverance and hard work. On the other hand, I obviously want to thank my coaching staff, including Fran Escribá, head assistant, Emilio Álvarez, goalkeeping coach, Jordi García, physical trainer, and Miguel Peiró, who forms part of the Atlético de Madrid staff and contributes with his work to improve the team. I also want to thank the players, without whom it would be impossible to do anything. They carry out any idea, good or bad, that we have. And I also thank Atlético de Madrid, which is my Club and for which I am completely grateful. Thanks to the directors and the supporters, who are extraordinary. And, I’d like to say once again that the world of managers is completely illogical. On Sunday I was making a mistake and on Monday I’m collecting an award. Thank you all for everything.”
Then the ‘rojiblanco’ head coach wanted to be thankful for the prize. “A year ago, or not quite, I attended this gala coincidentally because I’d just signed with Atlético de Madrid, with my Club. And the truth is that I was almost unaware of what I was getting into, but that forms part of football. And, one year later, we’re here celebrating these types of situations. In some way, this is a message to encourage managers, a completely difficult and complicated world in which things change from one day to the next. I want to send the message that everything is possible built on perseverance and hard work. On the other hand, I obviously want to thank my coaching staff, including Fran Escribá, head assistant, Emilio Álvarez, goalkeeping coach, Jordi García, physical trainer, and Miguel Peiró, who forms part of the Atlético de Madrid staff and contributes with his work to improve the team. I also want to thank the players, without whom it would be impossible to do anything. They carry out any idea, good or bad, that we have. And I also thank Atlético de Madrid, which is my Club and for which I am completely grateful. Thanks to the directors and the supporters, who are extraordinary. And, I’d like to say once again that the world of managers is completely illogical. On Sunday I was making a mistake and on Monday I’m collecting an award. Thank you all for everything.”