August 19th 2023.
Jorge Vilda, Spain's controversial coach, stands on the brink of World Cup glory as his team prepares to face England in Sunday's Women's World Cup Final.
Less than a year ago, the future of Vilda's mission was in jeopardy when 15 players staged a mutiny over their treatment. In September last year, the Real Federacion Espanola de Futbol (RFEF) released a statement revealing that the players had sent identical emails withdrawing their services due to their emotional state and health.
Vilda, 42, is no stranger to football. His father, Angel, is the current head of women's football at the Spanish Football Federation, and Vilda himself has been working his way up through the age groups since he was a child. His father worked as a physical trainer for Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and Real Madrid. Vilda was appointed manager in 2015 after his predecessor, Ignacio Quereda, left due to player unrest.
The 15 players, who became known as 'Las 15', included Patri Guijarro, Aitana Bonmati, Mapi Leon, Mariona Caldentey, Sandra Panos, Claudia Pina, Lola Gallardo, Ainhoa Moraza, Nerea Eizagirre, Amaiur Sarriegi, Lucia Garcia, Ona Batlle, Leila Ouahabi, Laia Aleixandri, and Andrea Pereira. Six of them played for Barcelona, two each for Manchester City, Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, and Real Sociedad, and one for Club America.
The players' complaints remain vague, but reports based on anonymous briefings have suggested that they were unhappy with the team's performance in the Euro 2022 quarter-final, where they lost to England. Some reports also mentioned misgivings about travel and accommodation, as well as the strictness of Vilda's regime. Allegedly, players were asked to keep their hotel room doors open until midnight and were searched when they went shopping during training camps.
The RFEF's response was uncompromising, stating that the players had no power over the coaching staff. However, skipper Irene Paredes, Jennifer Hermoso, and Alexia Putellas supported the protesters, although they did not send the email.
It's unclear how the issue has been resolved, but three of Las 15 - Bonmati, Caldentey, and Batlle - and Putellas, Paredes, and Hermoso were included in Vilda's squad for the finals. Vilda has acknowledged his 'hurt' at the revolt, but asked for a renewed united front, and there have been reports of a more relaxed atmosphere. Nevertheless, Vilda has largely stayed on the sidelines during the team's post-match celebrations.
Vilda and his team have a chance to make history on Sunday when they face England in the Women's World Cup Final. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles and come out on top? Only time will tell.
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