Jorge Vilda faced a tense moment as the Spanish women’s national team reacted to persistent calls for his dismissal, voiced by the team captains in a facilitated meeting. The federation’s communications team kept the captains separated from the coach, signaling a deliberate attempt to manage the press and internal dynamics while the group sought clarity on leadership and direction.
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Vilda appeared at Las Rozas Football City to address the situation directly. He began the press conference by acknowledging the players’ request for a change in leadership and emphasized the importance of resolving issues within the locker room. He described himself as someone who values dialogue and kept his door open for discussion. He also expressed pride in the team’s long-standing work, the style of play, and the results achieved, while conceding room for improvement. He extended gratitude to the federation president for his support.
Vilda defended the coaching staff, calling them top-tier and unlikely to be replaced. He stressed that everyone can improve and that the team’s current intensity and commitment were evident in training. After receiving broad backing, he confirmed his intention to continue guiding the program. Federation President Luis Rubiales asserted his own resolve to build a competitive team and a robust structure that extends beyond the senior squad, reaffirming his strong support for ongoing work.
Vilda warned that international coverage painted a tenser picture than the domestic reality and noted the absence of a normal climate in the locker room, while insisting that the staff was proceeding carefully and awaiting clarity from the players about their confidence in the project. He maintained that the group still wanted to be part of the project and that the work being done, both on and off the field, was solid. He expressed confidence that the federation would persist with the current approach.
When asked about the potential captaincy changes, the Madrid-based coach clarified that he would not engage in a debate over who wears the armband. His focus would be on identifying players who are fully committed and aligned with the team’s goals. He described the dressing room as generally positive, noting that the atmosphere during the early stages of the year’s European Championship season was favorable. The competitive matches that followed shifted the mood, yet he remained hopeful that the environment could return to a constructive trajectory. He concluded that the team includes strong players and that a step forward was required to elevate them to a higher level.
Return of the players
The captains then entered the room separately to present a united front with the rest of the squad. Irene Paredes, Jenni Hermoso, and Patri Pebbles, among others, stood with their teammates to convey the collective voice at a moment of sensitivity. Paredes, as the first captain, addressed the room and pushed back against rumors, stating that the players had never asked for Vilda to be dismissed. She acknowledged leaks that had complicated the discussion and emphasized the team’s responsibility to preserve professionalism and dedication. The captains conveyed the players’ emotions and reiterated the desire to resolve issues without casting doubt on the group’s commitment.
In her remarks, Paredes asserted the players’ clear position: they had explicitly requested to be heard and to share their perspective, but never called for the sacking of the coach. A series of social media posts and accountings of the event from team figures supported the narrative of unity and resolve, while underscoring the need to address internal concerns away from sensational headlines.
Patri Pebbles described a sense of malaise after the European Championship but expressed belief in the team’s ability to win significant titles. She and other teammates spoke of a shared determination to protect the group and to communicate grievances openly. Each player emphasized loyalty to the shield and the national program, even as they acknowledged the pressure and the leaks that complicated the period of tension. The overall message was one of solidarity, with a commitment to constructive dialogue aimed at strengthening the squad’s cohesion and competitiveness. The team’s leaders underscored that changes, if necessary, would be guided by the goal of reinforcing the group rather than undermining it. A public acknowledgment from teammates reinforced the desire to keep discussions private where possible, while recognizing the need for transparency when issues reach the public arena.
The scene closed with a consensus that the team would not let fractures derail its ambitions. The captains affirmed their priority of unifying the squad and believed that positive momentum could be restored through clear communication, incremental improvements, and a renewed commitment to the program’s values. The exchange underscored the delicate balance between leadership, accountability, and collective purpose, with players signaling that their focus remained on performing at the highest level whenever competition resumed. The lasting impression was a team determined to move forward—together—and to translate early-season turbulence into future success.