Espanyol boss Flores rules himself out of Stoke running

Joe Williams

Quique Sanchez Flores has confirmed that he will remain as the manager of Espanyol and won’t become the new manager of Premier League side Stoke City.

The former Watford boss was reported to be the leading candidate to take over from Mark Hughes at the Bet365 Stadium with Derby boss Gary Rowett signing a new contract to stay at Pride Park.

However, the Spaniard ruled out a move away from Espanyol in a lunchtime press conference ahead of their match on Sunday against Athletic Bilbao.

“I have everything here that I need,” Flores said. “I am and will be the manager of Espanyol.”

“I belong to Espanyol. I have a contract and I am honest with the club. I am absolutely happy with my situation, I do not have to explain anything else.

“There is nothing to tell. Football brings up these kind of situations where clubs ask… here at Espanyol it is difficult to move someone. We feel happy. We are in a happy place and we don’t want to break that up.”