Players Dispute RFEF’s Allegations, Clarify Their Position on Coach and Commitment to National Team

Spain’s female footballers have denied requesting the removal of head coach Jorge Vilda, and they have expressed frustration with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for publicly disclosing their private concerns.

The RFEF had previously stated that 15 players had sent emails requesting not to be called up for the national team while Vilda remained in charge, citing negative impacts on their “health” and “emotional well-being.” The governing body also claimed these players had indicated they would no longer represent Spain unless changes were made to Vilda’s management approach.

Reports suggested that the players’ dissatisfaction with Vilda’s coaching methods intensified after Spain’s exit from the Euro 2022 quarter-finals against England. The RFEF warned that these players could face disqualification for up to five years unless they admit their actions were a mistake and apologise, threatening to replace them with younger players from the national team’s development squads.

In response, a collective statement was issued by the players via Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas and Manchester United’s Ona Batlle, stating, “We have never called for the dismissal of the coach,” adding that decisions regarding the coaching role were not within their remit. They also emphasised their disappointment with the RFEF’s choice to release private communication, which they said misrepresented their concerns.

The players clarified, “We have not renounced our place in the Spanish national team as the RFEF suggests. Our commitment to Spain remains strong and unwavering.” They explained that their decision to request not being called up was based on the need to protect their emotional and physical well-being, which they believed was being affected by the current circumstances. Their message also underlined their desire for a more professional project that prioritises the welfare of the players to achieve long-term success.

The statement concluded with a call for a more respectful approach, expressing regret that the issue had escalated publicly. “We refuse to tolerate the infantilising tone used by the RFEF in their statement. We want to move forward with ambition and professionalism, striving for personal and collective success.”

Meanwhile, two of the players involved, Laia Aleixandri and Leila Ouahabi, who play for Manchester City, shared the statement on social media. City manager Gareth Taylor, when asked about the situation, acknowledged having spoken to the players but emphasised he was not fully aware of all the details. He expressed support for his players and hoped the matter could be resolved for both them and the wider Spain squad.

England’s Fast Bowler Achieves 97mph Speeds in First Game Back from Injury

Mark Wood was candid about his feelings following his first England appearance since March, where he reached a blistering 97mph speed. The fast bowler, who had been sidelined for the entire English summer due to an elbow injury sustained in a Test match in Antigua, admitted he was “tired” after his return.

The 32-year-old made an explosive comeback in England’s 63-run victory over Pakistan in Friday’s Twenty20 match, taking three wickets for 25 runs from four overs. Wood’s pace, which surpassed the 97mph mark twice, left the Pakistani batsmen struggling, with Babar Azam, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Haris Rauf all falling victim to his fiery spell.

Reflecting on his performance post-match, Wood shared with Sky Sports, “I feel tired. It’s my first game since March and although I’ve played a match for my club Ashington, it’s been a long wait.” He added, “After seven months off, you’re fresh, but that intensity in international cricket is a different beast.”

England is likely to manage Wood’s workload carefully, knowing that his unique pace gives them an edge no other player can replicate. Wood is aware of the need to conserve energy and avoid overexerting himself ahead of the World Cup in Australia next month. “The key now is consistency,” Wood stated. “I need to sustain those speeds. It’s all about peaking at the right time.”

While the team’s batters laid the perfect foundation by posting an impressive 221 for three, with debutant Will Jacks contributing 40 runs, Harry Brook adding a blistering 81*, and Ben Duckett finishing 70*, the focus now shifts to ensuring Wood is ready for the challenges ahead.

“I’ve done plenty of gym work and running, but nothing compares to playing a match,” Wood explained. “The adrenaline was flowing, but the real challenge will be repeating this level of performance.”