Alavés stun La Liga: Quique Sánchez Flores beats Flick and Mourinho to win August's Best Coach award

Alavés, the small club from Vitoria-Gasteiz, are enjoying a dream start to the season. After four rounds of La Liga, they sit second in the table with 10 points, an unbeaten record of three wins and one draw. The story becomes even more special as coach Quique Sánchez Flores has just been named La Liga's Best Coach for August, an official award from the league, beating big names such as Hansi Flick of Barcelona and José Mourinho of Real Madrid. This achievement is even more remarkable because Alavés were not considered a strong side before the season. They are usually seen as a mid-table team fighting for survival, and their position above Real Madrid, while chasing Barcelona, has surprised many. In August, their opponents – Getafe, Rayo Vallecano, Villarreal and Osasuna – were not weak teams. Yet Sánchez Flores' men managed to collect the maximum possible points. The monthly Best Coach award is usually given to managers with outstanding results. But Sánchez Flores winning it is not just about statistics. It is recognition for a small team that knows how to overcome its limits, in a league where money and reputation are not everything. In the vote, he surpassed Flick, whose Barcelona may have won all four matches with 12 points, and Mourinho, a coach who has won many major titles. His victory is a sweet shock for those who believe in fairness in football. However, is this success sustainable? Looking at Alavés' style of play, no clear tactical revolution has been revealed. They are not a high-pressing team nor a possession-dominant side. Instead, they show solidity, discipline and efficiency in every match – qualities a so-called underdog needs to survive against stronger opponents. The 5-2 win over Osasuna in round four was a highlight, proving they can attack when needed. But can they repeat that against bigger clubs in the coming rounds? Media attention can be a double-edged sword. Alavés are receiving praise from everywhere, but this also creates pressure. They are being called a dark horse, a surprise package of the season, but La Liga has seen many small teams start like a dream and then fade. For Alavés, the immediate goal is to stay in the European qualification spots as long as possible, rather than thinking about the title. Their squad is still too thin compared to the giants. Yet Alavés' story in August is a reminder that Spanish football is not only about Real Madrid and Barcelona. A small club can make noise if they have a united group and a coach who maximises resources. Under Quique Sánchez Flores, an experienced strategist who has managed several big clubs in Europe, Alavés are showing they can do more than just defend. The balance between attack and defence, along with a fighting spirit, is making them a tough opponent for anyone. Football always holds surprises, and Alavés are the clearest example in the early part of this season. Can they maintain their form to compete seriously with Barcelona and Real Madrid, or will they gradually return to their usual mid-table position? The answer will come in the coming months. But whatever happens, what they did in August has already entered the club's history and created one of the most memorable stories of this La Liga season. For Alavés fans, dreams are allowed, and they have every right to hope their team will not stop there. As for the rest of Spain, Alavés have sent a clear message: in La Liga, anything is possible as long as you have belief and unity.