Espanyol coach Quique: We want to be the first team to beat Valencia

Espanyol coach Quique Sanchez Flores is looking forward to the challenge of trying to become "the first team to beat Valencia" when the two sides meet at Cornella-El Prat on Sunday. 

"Valencia are a tough team and they've not lost, so it's a big challenge," said the Espanyol manager from the Ciudad Deportiva Dani Jarque.

In this sense, Sanchez Flores explained the players are ready to turn the page on the Alaves defeat: "We are prepared to keep growing and we want to compare ourselves with the best. That game didn't leave a good feeling, but in general, the sensations are good." 

On second-placed Valencia, he added: "They're a team that's been used to being among the best. I expect a tough game and we won't leave much space. We both want to play quickly, we're similar sides." 

RENEWING pau lópez

Meanwhile, he was also asked about the latest on goalkeeper Pau Lopez's contract renewal. 

"We are all clear on the Pau's context and not just if he renews or not, it's deeper. I have a good picture of the situation and I am relaxed," he said. 

Asked directly if he wants Pau to stay at Espanyol, he added: "I want the best and he's among the best. We don't want to lose any player because we've built this dynamic over time."