Lucy Bronze: England defender acknowledges that Barca teammates are engaged in a tough battle
Lucy Bronze Expresses Sadness at Barcelona Teammates Missing Women’s World Cup
In a surprising turn of events, several of Lucy Bronze’s teammates from Barcelona will not be participating in the upcoming Women’s World Cup due to their dispute with Spain coach Jorge Vilda. Midfielder Patri Guijarro, defender Mapi Leon, forward Claudia Pina, and goalkeeper Sandra Panos have all made themselves unavailable for selection.
This announcement has left Lucy Bronze feeling “sad” as she believes these players are missing out on a significant moment in their football careers. Speaking about her teammates’ absence, Bronze stated that it is unfortunate but not uncommon in women’s football. She emphasizes that although they are ambitious players who could make a difference on the world stage, sometimes circumstances beyond their control prevent them from doing so.
The dispute between the players and coach Vilda started last September when 15 members of the national team expressed their desire for his resignation. Despite denials from the players themselves, there were concerns over training methods and game preparation that led to this standoff. Eventually, after reaching agreements with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), 12 of those players requested to be considered for selection again.
Bronze is well acquainted with the situation as she joined Barcelona recently and is closely connected to her Spanish teammates. She acknowledges that this issue goes beyond just one team or country and highlights how many teams worldwide face similar struggles in improving conditions and raising standards within women’s football.
Nevertheless, there is some positive news for Spain as Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmati have been recalled for the World Cup after their previous absence due to the dispute. The Spanish team, making their third appearance in the Women’s World Cup, will kick off their Group C campaign against Costa Rica on July 21st in Wellington, New Zealand.
Spain’s subsequent matches include facing debutants Zambia on July 26th and taking on former world champions Japan on July 31st. Although some key players will be absent from their squad, Spain remains determined to make a strong impression in this year’s tournament and prove that they belong among the elite teams of women’s football.