In the midst of their ongoing dispute with the national team and coach Jorge Vilda, Spain’s striking players have refuted the claim that they are “rebels,” according to Alexia Putellas.
15 players declared themselves unavailable for selection after Spain’s Women’s World Cup qualification in September, citing the “situation” surrounding La Roja.
There is currently a deadlock before the tournament in July as a result of the RFEF’s decision to stand by Vilda in the face of requests from the striking group for him to be replaced due to concerns for their emotional well-being.
The Barcelona midfielder has vehemently emphasised the opinion of her teammates and rejected the notion that those players are at fault.
“We are not rebels,” she told beIN SPORTS. “It’s exhausting having to constantly claim improvements to perform better. I don’t think you have to put adjectives of this type.
“It is a problem between the players and the federation. Private conversations have been leaked, and this situation does not benefit anyone.
— Alexia Putellas (@alexiaputellas) March 8, 2023
“We want the players to be able to focus one hundred percent on performing. It’s exhausting having to constantly claim upgrades. The leaders should improve our conditions without [us] having to ask all the time.”
Vilda omitted striking players from his squad for the 2023 Cup of Nations, where La Roja finished second behind hosts Australia, ahead of a return to the country for the World Cup later this year.
They play friendlies against Norway and China in Ibiza in April, as they step up their preparations for the tournament, where they will hope to be among the contenders.