Quique Sanchez Flores: Stoke City target 'happy' at Espanyol
Last updated on .From the section European Football
Espanyol manager Quique Sanchez Flores has distanced himself from taking charge of Stoke City, saying he is "happy" at the Spanish side.
The Potters sacked Mark Hughes last Saturday with the club in the Premier League relegation zone.
Stoke held talks with Sanchez Flores this week but the ex-Watford manager said on Saturday: "Here I have all I need. I am the coach and will be."
Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill is now the bookmakers' favourite.
Sanchez Flores, who is under contract with La Liga side Espanyol until 2019 but has a release clause in his deal, had been Stoke's first choice to replace Hughes.
"I'm well and quite happy with my situation," the 52-year-old Spaniard added. "I don't have to explain anything else."
Derby County boss Gary Rowett was originally the leading contender to succeed Hughes, but he signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal with the Championship club on Tuesday.
Stoke had hoped to have their new manager in place for the Premier League game against Manchester United on Monday, but that now looks unlikely.
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Once the preferred applicant drops out, all the other candidates become "second best choices" - nice way for anyone to start a new job.
Despite what some detractors have said, Stoke isn't a bad place, and is nowhere near being the most depressing city in England.
But it isn't Barcelona, all the same.
Espanyol is a pretty good club, albeit overshadowed by sharing a city with the world's best. Espanyol is usually solid mid-table.
Again, that can't be said of Stoke.
Shame that the homework was not done before parting company with Hughes!
Clown
Got ****all to do with Brexit
You lost big style
Get over it
Why are they the worst fans to face??..
Have a proper look around, decide on what style of football you want to play, and take a chance on one. Instead of trying to remember the name of a foreign guy you recall managing here recently.
In other words, highly paid directors on the board of a Premier League club - do your jobs properly.
stoke city supporters
be careful what you wish for
you may struggle to find a manager