Player power saves Flores

RCD Espanyol's players appear to have saved coach Paco Flores his job after taking the blame for the team's indifferent start to the season during talks with club president Daniel Sánchez.

Position discussed
With the Barcelona-based club 15th in the 20-team Primera División and already eliminated from the Copa del Rey by third division Lleida, the club's executive committee met on Monday night to discuss Flores' position.

Captain's plea
Captain Raúl Tamudo was among three players who pleaded with Sánchez to give Flores more time. "I can assure you that we are behind Paco Flores all the way and so is the president," said Tamudo. "If there is anyone responsible for the situation the club is in, it is the players."

'Tired of all this'
"We only wanted to clear up a few things and to deny a few that have been said about us," added Tamudo. "I think that the coach is tired by all of this."