The RFEF announced the dismissal of the Spain Women’s National Team manager Jorge Vilda on Tuesday, September 5 and announced Montse Tome as the new manager for the current world champions.
Jorge Tome has broken his silence on his departure and stated that he feels it was an “unfair” decision for him to be sacked as Spain’s coach amidst the kiss scandal involving the Spanish federation President Luis Rubiales.
Jorge Vilda feels it was 'unfair' for him to be sacked as Spain’s Women coach after winning the World Cup in the fallout from the scandal involving the Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales.https://t.co/o7ScqmAcFn
— The42.ie (@The42_ie) September 6, 2023
Vilda was the only one of Spain’s coaching staff to not resign in protest at the behaviour of Luis Rubiales at the end of the Women’s World Cup. However, the RFEF confirmed his dismissal on Tuesday afternoon.
Concerns over Vilda’s coaching style and regime were reported as the reason as to why 15 of Spain’s players refused to play for the national team last year. In an interview with the Spanish radio network Cadena SER following his dismissal, Vilda defended his record with the team.
“In sporting terms, I am going to accept all the criticisms, but on a personal level, I think it has been unfair. It has been a special year. Nothing has ever been said directly, but indirectly things have been said that do not suit me. Things have been said that are not true."
Vilda added: "The explanation is that there have been 'structural changes'. After everything I have achieved, of working hard as just another worker, I have a clear conscience. I have given 100% and I don't understand it - I didn't see my dismissal as deserved."
Vilda also defended his reaction to Rubiales' controversial speech at the RFEF general assembly by stating that he “will never applaud anything sexist”.
"The president is valuing your work and announcing your renewal, I applauded that. I also applaud Rubiales' management of women's football, with a budget that has multiplied by four. The rest - when 150 people around you applaud, it is very difficult to be the only one who doesn't."
The RFEF made no reference to any discontent towards the players when announcing Vilda's exit but rather referred to his "professionalism and dedication during all these years".
