Montse Tomé, new absolute female manager
How was the dismissal?
After becoming world champions just over two weeks earlier, the former coach spoke about the abrupt departure. The announcement was made at a meeting that included all council members, followed by a contract outlined beforehand. The decision, described by some as a restructuring move, came after Pedro Rocha and the federation’s vice president of Equality participated in the discussion. The move was framed as structural changes that would maintain some continuity, a choice that drew mixed reactions once it was publicly confirmed.
In a retrospective tone, the former coach recalled years spent in women’s football, emphasizing a clear conscience about giving everything during a long tenure with the federation. He insisted the expulsion did not reflect his true contribution and expressed that the dismissal was unfair, viewing it as a contractual matter rather than a personal failure.
What do you think about the appointment of Montse Tomé?
The speaker suggested that Tomé deserved the role and stressed a firm stance against sexism. He argued that the council did not fully anticipate the consequences of their decision, acknowledging that many people would have preferred a different outcome. While acknowledging Tomé’s competence and leadership, he highlighted the impact of the federation’s decision on the broader conversation about women’s football funding. He noted that the budget for women’s football had quadrupled since 2018, a detail underscoring progress and the long road ahead. He also reflected on the importance of leadership with integrity and the need to maintain momentum for gender equality in sport.
Looking ahead, he believed that Tomé’s era could leave a lasting impression through style and methodology, suggesting that effective leadership would shape the team’s future outcomes. He remained optimistic about the potential for success under fresh direction.
Was it unfair to Vilda?
He acknowledged that victory can inflate expectations beyond fairness, recognizing that winning sometimes carries a painful sense of imbalance. He admitted that, personally, the way things unfolded felt unjust, even if he accepted the realities of competitive sport. Over the years, he said, there was mutual respect between players and the staff, even as this season brought difficult conversations and disagreement. He recalled that long tenure and the associated pressures had exposed tensions that needed to be addressed.
In recounting the period, he mentioned that the team’s dynamics included voices of dissent and strong opinions, which sometimes clashed with management. He cited ongoing discussions about leadership, about how decisions were communicated, and about ensuring respect for everyone involved in the program.
Why did you applaud when Rubiales spoke of “fake feminism”?
The speaker clarified a clear stance against misogyny and anything that undermined feminism, which he equated with the fight for equality. He described the assembly as unfocused and unclear about its purpose. He recalled that many attendees expected a resignation, and that some perceives the boss’s remarks as a catalyst for reflection among staff and players. He credited the person speaking with certain aspects of leadership and management that had broadened support for women’s football, including the significant increase in funding since 2018. The applause, he suggested, reflected appreciation for sincerity and a call to uphold equal treatment and fairness.
Why didn’t you name Jenni Hermoso in your statement?
The speaker explained that a gesture in the statement should not be reduced to a single box label. He has known Jenni since she was younger and has followed her World Cup journey. He acknowledged that Jenni has faced difficult times and hoped for a positive resolution. He admitted to cutting off contact for a time, recognizing the strain of the moment on her personal situation.
Did you talk to Rubiales again?
Not through the federation’s channels, he stated, leaving room for interpretation about future conversations or outreach. The dialogue surrounding leadership, accountability, and the direction of the national program remained a topic of intense reflection for supporters and stakeholders alike [Attribution: internal reporting on leadership changes in national teams].