A lot of Espanyol fans felt disenfranchised from the club after manager Quique Sanchez Flores spoke wonders about Leo Messi after last Sunday's Derby. In the following moments after the final whistle, everyone saw how Flores approached Messi to congratulate him for the game and asked him for a signed shirt for his kid who is a Barcelona fan. After the match, Flores praised Leo's humility and hailed him as the best player in the world.
This obviously didn't sit well with the fans, especially after losing 4-1 at Camp Nou. Flores felt the need to come out and explain himself this Wednesday with Marca: "I apologize as it was never my intention to hurt Espanyol fans' feelings. I am dedicated to our cause and I identify with the club. Obviously I don't know the full 116 years of history of the club because I have only been here for three months, but I want the people to be happy and to enjoy themselves, so I am sorry.
"I do things spontaneously and I try to treat all opponents in the best way possible. I have the utmost respect for Espanyol fans, who have always been superb with me."
Photo credit: FC Barcelona