Flick, Simeone and Pellegrini shortlisted for September honour

The nominees for La Liga's Manager of the Month award for September were unveiled online on Wednesday, with three of the division's most established coaches going head-to-head for the prize.

As expected, Barcelona's Hansi Flick features front and centre after a sensational start to the Catalan club's defence of their La Liga title. Across September, the Blaugrana notched four league wins from four, racking up 19 goals along the way.

The German, though, faces stiff competition from the other two names on the shortlist — Atlético Madrid boss Diego Simeone and Real Betis chief Manuel Pellegrini.

Simeone's recovery and Pellegrini's surge

Simeone oversaw his Atlético Madrid side recovering from a shaky opening to the term in impressive fashion. This month, the Rojiblancos managed three wins from four on the La Liga front, including a derby downing of Real Madrid last weekend.

Pellegrini, meanwhile, is the mastermind behind Real Betis' surge to 3rd in the Spanish top-flight, behind only the aforementioned Barca and Atléti. Betis secured 10 points from an available 12 in September, also boasting a high-profile victory over José Mourinho's Real Madrid.

The winner of the Manager of the Month prize will be announced over the days ahead.