A Spain fan held up a sign calling for coach Jorge Vilda to step down ahead of the friendly win against USA
After winning the women’s Ballon d’Or for the second consecutive year on Monday, Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas was quickly brought down to earth with questions about the aftermath that has left her national team in disarray.
“All I’m going to say about the national team today is that it’s obviously an issue that makes me very sad,” said the Barcelona captain.
“I think it needs to be talked about, but today isn’t the day. This is a day to celebrate, a day of history and that is all.”
Last month, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) claimed 15 members of its national team had said they would resign unless head coach Jorge Vilda resigned.
This was later disputed by the players, who had been told they would not be selected for international duty unless they apologized.
Putellas, 28, who is currently sidelined with a serious knee injuryhas previously expressed support for those involved – including Spain captain Irene Paredes, record goalscorer Jenni Hermoso and midfielder Aitana Bonmati, who finished fifth at this year’s Ballon d’Or.
With just nine months until the 2023 Women’s World Cup, ` Sport takes a closer look at the explosive dispute that could have damaging consequences for women’s football in Spain.
What are the main problems?
It is understood that during Euro 2022, where the team previously reached the last eight, the players first expressed concerns about training methods, inadequate match preparation and managerial decisions Loss to eventual winners England.
Spanish journalist Maria Tikas, writing for the country’s daily Sport, said ` Sport’s players felt that “the results of recent years do not reflect the level of the team”.
Since Vilda’s appointment in 2015, Spain have not progressed past the quarter-finals of any major tournament. They won about 70% of their games under Vilda.
At the same time, the Barcelona team, composed mainly of Spanish players, excelled in club football, reaching the finals of the Champions League consecutively.
Tikas said there was a general feeling among fans and journalists in Spain that “the federation’s commitment to women’s football is not real and not enough”.
“The players notice a big difference between the training sessions with their clubs and the national team, as well as many practices that are ‘inappropriate’,” Tikas added.
“They didn’t like that the federation extended Vilda’s contract until 2024 just a few days before the Euros. The message sent was that regardless of the result of the European Championship, Vilda will continue to call the shots.”
Tikas believes there have been examples of players joining the national team and starting games having just recovered from an injury – despite medical advice – and a lack of rotation affected the players’ well-being.
Will the situation improve before the World Cup?
Jennifer Hermoso (left), Aitana Bonmati (centre) and Alexia Putellas (right) are among the high profile Barcelona players who have been impacted
According to the RFEF and the players, Vilda told reporters, “I am deeply hurt. It’s an unfair situation that nobody deserves. I think it’s a mockery on a global scale.
“This mess is damaging to Spanish football. It’s a worldwide embarrassment.”
Hermoso later described the situation as that “worst moments in the history of women’s football in Spain”.
Vilda had to pick an exhausted squad for the games against Olympic finalists Sweden and world number ones USA in October, dropping 14 members from his previous selection. Nevertheless, Spain managed to draw 1-1 and win 2-0.
Tikas said these results “benefit” Vilda and the new players.
Nine of the squads chosen for those friendlies came from Real Madrid and there have been hints of a split between Barcelona and Real players, but Tikas doesn’t believe it.
“There are Real Madrid players who agree with you. However, they have been told by their club not to be part of the group that sent the email and to go with the national team if they are called up,” added her.
“I don’t think there’s a split between the Barcelona and Real Madrid players, but it seems like there is.”
However, it is clear that a split has emerged between some players and the coaching staff and association.
“The team that [played in] The last international window is good, but Vilda only trusts them because they are with him,” said Tikas.
“Some of the players involved [Alexia Putellas, Jenni Hermoso and Irene Paredes] are among the best players in their position. Of course not having them at the World Cup hurts Spain’s chances.”
Tikas said the situation is “unsustainable” and it will likely come down to RFEF President Luis Rubiales’ decision on whether to support Vilda or the players.
“Rubiales will always choose Vilda before anyone else,” Tikas said.
How much support is there for Vilda?
Jorge Vilda secured a draw against Sweden and a win over the USA in October
Vilda’s appointment after 30 years under Ignacio Quereda in 2015 was well received, leading to players voicing public grievances against an alleged culture of fear and intimidation.
Vilda has had success with Spain’s youth teams, including two gold medals at the European Women’s U17 Championships, which led to a nomination for Fifa Coach of the Year in 2014.
However, Vilda had not managed a senior team prior to his appointment and as women’s football grew in Spain, many began to question whether he was “good enough to take charge,” Tikas said.
“The federation has so much confidence in him because he is very close to President Rubiales and is also the sporting director of the RFEF women’s national team system,” Tikas added.
Reaction to the current situation has been mixed in Spain, Tikas said, with many who have followed the team for years not surprised by recent developments.
“I’m disappointed because this situation happened when Spanish women’s football was at its best and it’s definitely a step backwards,” she added.
“I see what England are doing and I’m jealous.
“I think a lot of changes should be made and the players should always be listened to and their opinion taken into account.
“The players involved should have talked more and explained their reasons. They don’t want to talk and I think that’s a mistake. A lot of media only cover one of the parts.”
` Sport has reached out to the RFEF for a response.
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