According to Marca, Flores has led Deportivo Alavés to their best-ever start to a season since taking over the relegation-threatened club in March.

Flores has brought happiness back to Vitoria. When the Madrid coach took over in March, Deportivo Alavés was in freefall. He helped the team secure their most impressive survival in recent years, and this season he aims to take them even further. After just four matches, Deportivo Alavés has already achieved their best-ever start to a season: 3 wins and 1 draw, placing them second in the league table.

Deportivo Alavés's current momentum is a continuation of Flores's success since he took charge at Mendizorrotza Stadium on March 3rd. In the 16 matches since then, only Barcelona and Real Madrid have accumulated more points than Deportivo Alavés. The team has earned 26 out of a possible 48 points, won all 16 matches, and has demonstrated Champions League-level performances since Flores's arrival.

Under Flores, Deportivo Alavés plays a direct and energetic style, constantly attacking opponents with crosses from the flanks and winning aerial duels. Opponents no longer find space behind the defense as easily as before, and Deportivo Alavés needs fewer chances to score. The team's defense has also improved significantly, addressing a weakness from last season.

The players believe in Flores's philosophy, and Deportivo Alavés's playing style now aligns more closely with the club's historical identity. While Coudet did an excellent job, there were always doubts about the Argentine coach's tactical approach at Mendizorrotza Stadium. Flores quickly earned recognition in Vitoria, winning the locker room's trust with his composure during difficult times. His continued success proves that Josean Querejeta's decision to appoint the Madrid coach in March was correct.

Flores's coaching experience proved crucial in handling last season's complex situations. His measured approach improved the goal-scoring abilities of Boyé and Toni Martínez, accelerated the development of players like Ángel Pérez and Pablo Ibáñez, maintained the leadership of Antonio Blanco and Tenaglia, and gradually transformed Mariano, whom only Flores truly believed in.

This is Flores's first time building a team from scratch, and it coincides with a summer of minimal squad changes—excellent news for continuity. Deportivo Alavés received offers for Antonio Blanco, A. Martínez, Boyé, and Sivera, among others. However, the club—traditionally known for selling players—chose to retain all its key players this season. This allowed Flores to work with most of the squad from July and begin the season in better condition, an increasingly rare opportunity for many clubs.

After successfully keeping the team in the league at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium, Flores stated that the team's challenge this season was to escape the lower half of the table, avoid suffering, and enjoy stability. It now appears that Deportivo Alavés is on the right track. With only four matches played, the current standings don't tell the whole story, but the 10 points already earned will provide a solid foundation.

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