Interviews
VIE 13.02.2015
After spending three years in the UAE, Quique Sánchez Flores (Madrid, 1965) returned to Liga BBVA in January to retake the helm at Getafe. After an important win over Sevilla, the next challenge for the azulón is Valencia CF, the side with whom Quique played for over 10 seasons, and who he managed between 2005 and 2007. The Madrid-born coach spoke to LFP.es about the keys to the tie.
LFP.es: What does it mean to return to the Mestalla?
Quique: Many memories. It was an enormous part of my career as both a player and manager. It's always very emotional.
LFP.es: What are your best memories from your time at Valencia?
Quique: My debut at the Mestalla against Atlético Madrid aged 19. Also the day we got promoted to Liga BBVA after a year in Liga Adelante, when it looked as if we might have been in trouble, but finished as a brilliant year. Or the day I left the Mestalla against Valladolid, when I scored twice. As a coach, I had a very competitive group of players, who had been champions; we were able to enjoy some terrific games and play in the Champions League.
"Valencia have great players all over the park; we will have to do a collective job to stop them"
LFP.es: What do you make of the new Valencia under the guise of Nuno Espírito Santo?
Quique: They look good, strong. At home they're a side who press you from the first minute. They have a good relationship with the fans and they are a side who do things well, they have a defined playing style and it is hard to stop them.
LFP.es: What are Valencia's main weapons and how can Getafe stop them?
Quique: They've got great individuals, but the success of Valencia is that they put this individualism into group work. It makes them a harder side to face. They Valencia have great players all over the park; we will have to do a collective job to stop them.
LFP.es: How did you feel when you got the call from Getafe to go back after 10 years away?
Quique: It was perfect for my life. After three years in the UAE, I knew I wanted to come back to a prestigious league. If this were to be in Spain, at home, with my people, where my kids are by my side, then they were perfect circumstances to return.
LFP.es: How was the dressing room when you arrived following the departure of Cosmin Contra?
Quique: They were a bit lost and in a bad run of results, having not won since November. It was not a happy place. Bit by bit, they've been the first who have wanted to change things and we aren't far off where we want to be. The dynamic has been broken, and after winning twice in the second half of the season, we’re happier.
"I'm not even halfway through my career. I can see myself coaching until I can coach no more"
LFP.es: Last Sunday you celebrated 500 games as a player and manager in Liga BBVA, and you were able to celebrate it with a win against Sevilla.
Quique: Yes, but I didn't know about it. I found out this week and it makes me feel old! I would have signed up for this when I started my career. I'm happy to have done this in one of the best leagues in the world and with the best sides.
LFP.es: With your youthfulness and energy, I can imagine you will want another 500 games.
Quique: (Laughs). Yes, I feel good. I’m not even halfway through my career. I can see myself coaching until I can coach no more.
LFP.es: What impact did this important win have on the side?
Quique: Cleansing. We have to try and maintain the idea of being winners and always competitive, consistently improving.
LFP.es: Mehdi Lacen's return has brought balance to the centre of the park. What importance does the Algerian have in the side?
Quique: He's important, he reads play well. With the exception of Juan Rodríguez, we haven’t had any dedicated players for that position. Hopefully he can stay fit and not have any problems. He brings a lot, both in a sporting and emotional sense.
LFP.es: You've put your faith in youth like Álex Felip, Emi, Ivi and Astray. What can they bring to Getafe?
Quique: Their own improvements as footballers. They will give us additional youth, ambition and aggression. They’re footballers who want to make an impact on Liga BBVA. They have quality and energy and will be close to us.
"We have to try and maintain the idea of being winners and always competitive, consistently improving"
LFP.es: You've never won as a visiting coach at the Mestalla, but stats are there to be broken. Are you confident?
Quique: We think we can win any game. Obviously we know how hard it is to go to the Mestalla, but we know how to prepare the game and the players know football; we'll have our chances. We will try to be difficult, make sure they have to be at their best, finish the game and go home believing we've given our all. Stats are there, but they don’t mean anything in terms of preparation.
LFP.es: What will be the key to staying up?
Quique: Win, win, train, play win. This is the idea and there's no other. We must work hard.
LFP.es: What message would you like to send the fans? After the win over Sevilla you said their support is helping a lot.
Quique: That they continue as they are, because they're great. We will do all we can in each training to be able to give them something back in each game. Hopefully we can keep improving so they can keep supporting us. We know it’s there and feel it, and that's the best for us.
© LALIGA - 2015