Mourinho returns to the spotlight as he challenges Flick for La Liga’s August award

The Spanish Football Federation has announced Jose Mourinho, Hansi Flick and Quique Sanchez as the nominees for La Liga’s Best Coach award for August, with Mourinho’s impressive return to the division putting him in contention alongside the Barcelona manager.

Mourinho, who is in charge of Real Madrid, made an outstanding start to the league campaign by guiding the club to three wins from three matches. His side opened the season with a 2-1 victory over Espanyol before producing a more convincing result against Real Sociedad, winning 4-1.

Real Madrid completed their perfect August with a 4-0 victory over Malaga. Across those three matches, Mourinho’s team scored 10 goals and conceded only two.

The Portuguese manager’s nomination represents a strong beginning to his latest spell with Real Madrid, while his main rival for the award is Flick, who has also led Barcelona to three victories.

Barcelona began their campaign with a commanding 5-0 win against Elche. Flick’s side then defeated Athletic Club 2-0 before ending the month with a 5-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano.

Those results gave Barcelona 12 goals in three games, while they conceded only two. The Catalan club moved to the top of La Liga on goal difference from Real Madrid.

Sanchez, the third coach on the shortlist, has also overseen an unbeaten opening month with Deportivo Alaves. His team recorded wins against Getafe and Villarreal, while their other result was a draw with Rayo Vallecano.

Deportivo Alaves sit fourth in the table with seven points, behind Atletico Madrid only on goal difference.

The three nominees therefore enter the award race after contrasting but successful starts to the season. Mourinho has matched Flick’s perfect record of three wins, although Barcelona’s stronger attacking numbers have taken them to the top of the standings. Sanchez’s side, meanwhile, remain unbeaten after collecting two victories and a draw.

The August award will recognise one of the three managers for their work during the opening fixtures of the La Liga season. Mourinho’s Real Madrid have combined a flawless record with a 10-goal return, while Flick’s Barcelona have scored 12 and conceded two. Sanchez completes the shortlist after helping Deportivo Alaves establish themselves in fourth place.

The announcement places two of Spain’s biggest clubs directly against one another in the individual coaching award, with Mourinho seeking recognition for Real Madrid’s fast start and Flick nominated after guiding Barcelona to the early league lead.