Quique Sánchez Flores has been named LaLiga EA Sports Coach of the Month for August. The Deportivo Alavés manager earns the recognition after a flawless start to the season that has seen his team collect 10 points from a possible 12 and sit second in the table.

How has Alaves started the season?

The Basque side has recorded three wins and one draw from its first four league fixtures. It began with a commanding 3-0 win over Getafe at Mendizorrotza. The team then drew 1-1 away at Rayo Vallecano and closed out August with a narrow 1-0 home victory against Villarreal.

The positive run extended into September with a 5-2 thrashing of Osasuna. This result contributes to the team's current tally of 10 goals scored and only 3 conceded so far this campaign. The +7 goal difference highlights a good balance between attack and defence. You can check the full breakdown of the team's stats in our section.

Which player stood out in the latest win?

In the emphatic victory over Osasuna, the opening goal was scored by Lucas Boyé. The Argentine forward received a pass from Mariano, turned, and unleashed a powerful low drive from outside the box that found the net.

That strike was the first in an afternoon where Alavés showed great attacking efficiency. The team maintains its privileged position just two points behind the leaders, FC Barcelona, who remain unbeaten. The next test for Sánchez Flores's side is a trip to Santander to face Racing on September 12th, an opponent currently in 13th place. All information on upcoming matches is available in our fixtures calendar.

Who were the other candidates for the award?

Sánchez Flores beat out two other heavyweight managers in the final vote. His direct rivals for the accolade were Hansi Flick of FC Barcelona and José Mourinho of Real Madrid.

The selection of the Alavés boss is unquestionable after a near-perfect August. His team has shown solidity and managed to bounce back from the draw in Vallecas with convincing wins. Collective performance has been key, though the squad must cope without the injured Mikel Rodríguez. The player's status and the rest of the squad can be followed on the injuries page.

What does this recognition mean for the club?

The individual award for the manager reinforces the excellent form of the entire squad. Sitting in second place with 10 points marks one of the best starts in the club's recent history in the top flight. Maintaining this level of performance will be essential for pursuing ambitious targets.

The team now faces a week of preparation before travelling to El Sardinero. The match against Racing Santander will be the next opportunity to add points and keep the pressure on Barcelona. The current standings show Alavés firmly entrenched in the upper positions.

Barcelona12Alaves10Malaga2
Points gap: Alaves 10, leaders Barcelona 12, first relegation place Malaga 2