MADRID, 7 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The women’s national soccer coach, Jorge Vilda, recognized Alexia Putellas’ “sensitive” loss for the European Championship, suffering a serious injury to her left knee, “a ‘shock’ for everyone, although she showed “her utmost confidence” in the 23 players who will face this Friday the first match of the continental event against Finland.
“It is clear that Alexia’s loss is sensitive and it was a ‘shock’, but I want to highlight the maximum confidence in the 23 players available to play tomorrow. There are different alternatives that can occupy her position. Our philosophy and way of playing is above of the systems and the players”, Vilda highlighted at the press conference prior to the debut of the Spanish team in the European Championship.
“The team conspired and we look forward. We cannot let go of the feelings of sadness and anger. There is no other way than to get together, become strong, prepare for the first game and press harder if possible. Wish Alexia a speedy recovery, who is still with us as captain, an example of behavior,” he said.
The coach admitted the importance of getting off to a good start in continental competition. “A good start is important, it can influence the entire future of the competition. We know that it is not a game that determines absolutely everything because we have known teams that, even losing the first game, have gone all the way”, he said.
Finland will be the first rival to beat to get out of the group stage. “It’s a team that plays with a lot of order, that has stood up to great teams, with fast, strong players and long-distance players,” he added.
“Each team has its own difficulties and in the first match one added as it is the contact with the tournament. Yesterday we saw it with England in the opening match. The debut may cost a little more, we want it not to be like that, the challenge is to win the game and that happens by scoring one more goal than the rival”, settled.
Regarding the favoritism of the national team, despite losing important players in recent weeks, Vilda highlighted the collective work. “There have been difficulties that we have been overcoming naturally. It is a very healthy group, which works very well. They have confidence and self-confidence. We are endorsed by the performance and the work behind it, not just the results,” she said.
“We come for the fourth time in history to a European Championship and we bring the best team, I would not change any of my players for any other. We accept the challenges and ours is to go as far as possible, but knowing where we come from and that each match is a conquest, we don’t care if it’s called Finland, Germany or Denmark, winning any match will be a great success,” he said.