Mourinho and Flick meet for the first time in La Liga’s August shortlist

Jose Mourinho and Hansi Flick will contest their first direct managerial battle after both were nominated for La Liga’s Manager of the Month award for August, several weeks before Real Madrid and Barcelona meet in the league’s Clasico.

The Spanish league announced on Wednesday that Mourinho, who has returned to Real Madrid, and Barcelona head coach Flick were included among the three finalists for the monthly prize. Deportivo Alaves manager Quique Sanchez Flores completes the shortlist.

All three league rounds played in August ended with either a win or an unbeaten record for the nominated teams. Mourinho and Flick each guided their side to three victories and a maximum nine points, while Sanchez Flores led Deportivo Alaves to two wins and a draw.

Real Madrid began the month strongly under their Portuguese manager, defeating Espanyol, Real Sociedad and Malaga. Mourinho returned to the club before the start of the campaign and has made a perfect opening to the league season.

Barcelona, the reigning champions, also secured three wins with Flick in charge. Their victories came against Elche, Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano.

Despite both teams collecting the same number of points, Barcelona lead the La Liga table on goal difference. Flick’s side have a goal difference of plus 10, compared with plus eight for Real Madrid.

Deportivo Alaves sit fourth with seven points after their two victories and one draw, leaving Sanchez Flores as the third contender for the award.

La Liga has opened a four-day public vote to decide the winner. Supporters can select their preferred manager through the league’s official poll, with the result to be announced after voting closes.

The nomination creates an early individual contest between Mourinho and Flick, whose teams are expected to challenge for the major honours in Spain this season. Their first meeting on the pitch is still several weeks away, when Real Madrid and Barcelona face each other in the Clasico, but the monthly award gives the two managers an earlier chance to be compared directly.

Mourinho’s three victories have come during his return to one of the most prominent jobs in European football, while Flick’s perfect start has come as he continues to lead the defending champions. Sanchez Flores’ inclusion reflects Deportivo Alaves’ strong opening to the campaign, despite the club having taken two points fewer than the leading pair.

The subject and other football news can also be discussed in greater depth on the Kooora forums.