The head coach of Spain’s women’s football team, Jorge Vilda, recently unveiled his preliminary selection of 30 players for the upcoming World Cup set to take place in Australia and New Zealand.
The list surprisingly included three players – Mariona Caldentey of Barcelona, Aitana Bonmati also from Barcelona, and Manchester United’s Ona Batlle – who were previously sidelined from the national team due to their involvement in a protest against Vilda.
Last September, these players were part of a group of 15 who clashed with Vilda, causing a stir in the football community. They now make a return after their hiatus from the national team.
The squad also welcomed back Alexia Putellas, holder of the Ballon d’Or, who has been out due to an injury sustained last summer.
Last year, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) reported that 15 players from the national team had threatened to resign if Vilda didn’t step down. The players disputed this claim but tension arose with accusations of subpar training and inadequate game preparation.
Last week, Spanish newspaper Marca reported that 12 of the 15 disputed players requested to be reconsidered for team selection, following satisfactory agreements with the RFEF.
Putellas was not included in the group of 15 due to her recovery from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament just before Euro 2022. However, she expressed support for the protest on social media.
Despite the return of the three players, four Barcelona players – midfielder Patri Guijarro, defender Mapi Leon, forward Claudia Pina, and goalkeeper Sandra Panos – who were part of the protesting group, are still absent from the preliminary 30-player list.
Vilda stated, “I’m going to focus on the players who are here and not those who are not here or don’t want to be here. If these three players are here, it’s because they are committed to the national team and are ready to play in the World Cup.” He confidently added, “I’m convinced we will form a united group.”
Spain’s final 23-player squad will be announced on June 30, and their World Cup campaign will commence on July 21 against Costa Rica.
Vilda expressed his relief at Putellas’ recovery, mentioning, “It is very important that Alexia has recovered well, that she has played minutes for her club. We know she will be a great help, something we missed in the last Euros.”
Putellas made a triumphant return from injury, helping her club, Barcelona, to secure the Women’s Champions League title.
Despite the positive news of Putellas and Bonmati’s return, significant names like Leon and Guijarro, are conspicuously missing from the 30-player squad. The partial return of the protesting group might further complicate matters, as it could potentially fragment the players’ united stance.
However, the inclusion of renowned players like Putellas and Bonmati signifies a hopeful step forward, proving that continued dialogue can yield beneficial outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Women’s World Cup 2023 Spain Squad
Who is the head coach of the Spanish women’s football team?
Jorge Vilda is the head coach of the Spanish women’s football team.
Who are the three players recalled to the Spanish squad for the Women’s World Cup 2023?
The three players recalled to the Spanish squad for the Women’s World Cup 2023 are Mariona Caldentey, Aitana Bonmati, and Ona Batlle.
What was the dispute involving the Spanish women’s football team?
The dispute involved 15 players from the Spanish women’s football team who threatened to resign if head coach Jorge Vilda didn’t step down, citing subpar training methods and inadequate game preparation.
Who is the Ballon d’Or holder recalled to the squad?
The Ballon d’Or holder Alexia Putellas has been recalled to the Spanish women’s football squad for the Women’s World Cup 2023.
When will the final Spanish squad for the Women’s World Cup 2023 be announced?
The final Spanish squad for the Women’s World Cup 2023 will be announced on June 30.
Who are some notable players still absent from the squad?
Notable players still absent from the squad include Patri Guijarro, Mapi Leon, Claudia Pina, and Sandra Panos from Barcelona.
More about Women’s World Cup 2023 Spain Squad
- Spanish Women’s National Team
- FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
- Spanish Football Federation
- Ballon d’Or Awards
- Marca – Spanish Sports Newspaper
5 comments
Man, glad to see Putellas back! She’s a game changer. hope the team gets their act together before the World Cup.
did i read it right? only 3 of the 15 returned! Seems like Vilda still has some housekeeping to do…
wow, cant believe some of the big names still aren’t in the squad! whats going on with Spanish women’s football…
Disappointing to see Leon and Guijarro still out! They would have been crucial in the World Cup. Hope everything gets sorted soon.
some great players in the lineup, but it’s sad to see politics affecting the team selection. C’mon Spain! Let’s get it together.