Unpopular Spain boss Jorge Vilda cuts awkward figure in squad selfie

We’re all in this (almost) together! Unpopular Spain manager Jorge Vilda cuts an awkward figure on the edge of a squad selfie before the World Cup final against England after he survived a player revolt

• Jorge Vilda was pictured awkwardly on the periphery of a Spain selfie on Friday
• The divisive coach has remained a polarising figure among member of his squad
• WATCH: ‘It’s All Kicking Off’ – Episode 1 – Mail Sport’s brand new football show 

With the Women’s World Cup final fast approaching, Jorge Vilda remains a highly divisive figure within the Spain camp.

The former Barcelona youth player took charge of the national team in 2015 following stints coaching La Roja at youth levels, and has enjoyed a broadly successful spell thus far.

Since his appointment, the 42-year-old has led his side to success in the Algarve Cup and Cyprus Cup, and was at the helm as the breezed to World Cup qualification, winning all eight of their qualifiers without conceding a single goal.

However, despite his remarkable successes, Vilda’s polarising reputation has only increased throughout his tenure, even among his own players.

A number of controversies have failed to endear him to his squad particularly senior players. For example until 2019 players were required to allow Vilda to check their rooms and approve of the conditions before being allowed to shut their doors.

Spain boss Jorge Vilda was pictured on the edge of a team selfie ahead of the World Cup final

The 42-year-old managed a half smile as his team prepare for the biggest game of their careers

His close relationship with some of the senior women players had also been questioned by a number of squad members, who viewed his treatment of them as ‘childish’.

With their first World Cup final just days away, Vilda’s awkward standing among his players was exemplified in a selfie taken from the Spain training camp in Lilyfield on Friday.

While the players huddle together in celebration as they prepare for the biggest game of their careers, Vilda stands off to the side managing little more than a half smile.

The divide between Vilda and members of his team was clear during Spain’s dramatic semi-final victory over Sweden on Tuesday.

After Alexia Putellas was substituted at the hour mark with the game goalless, the Barcelona star swatted away her manager’s attempt at a handshake as she returned to the bench.

Vilda (middle) has emerged as a polarising figure within his squad for his often unpopular methods

Your browser does not support iframes.

Vilda’s precarious position as the side’s manager looked to have reached breaking point last year after his side were dumped out of the Euros by eventual winners England.

Senior members of the team approached the Spanish FA to request that Vilda be removed from his position citing a lack of technical preparation and inadequate training but their request was ultimately refused by president Luis Rubiales.

This discontent over Vilda’s methods has only increased since the initial fracture, and the Spain boss remains very much unpopular among his own team, in stark contrast to Sarina Wiegman and her England squad.

Source: Read Full Article