2023 Women's World Cup winning coach: 'I feel unfair'

"After becoming world champion and having my contract extended, I felt I was treated unfairly when I received a dismissal order. However, my mood is still fine right now," Vilda told Cadena SER radio channel.

Vilda was fired after a short meeting with Acting President of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) Pedro Rocha. The 42-year-old military leader was told that the RFEF was restructuring, but did not feel convinced. RFEF has appointed former female national player Montse Tome to replace Vilda.

Vilda has long been unpopular with the players, because of the strict management policy. Last year, 15 players wrote to him asking for his dismissal. After scoring or winning at the 2023 World Cup, he was often ignored by his students. However, under his guidance, Spain became the fifth country to win the Women's World Cup, after the US (four times), Germany (two), Norway and Japan (one). Vilda is also the first male coach to win the Women's World Cup.

"After all that was achieved, they abandoned me as an ordinary employee. My conscience was clear. I gave everything and didn't understand why I was fired. I don't think I deserve it. This news came unexpectedly. I'm even preparing the next plan for the team," Vilda said.

Spain's World Cup championship left a bad impression when RFEF President Luis Rubiales was criticized for "forcibly kissing" female player Jenni Hermoso. Initially, RFEF supported Rubiales and the leader refused to resign until under pressure from the government and many influential figures inside and outside of football.

There is an opinion that Vilda was "beheaded" for supporting Rubiales. On August 25, when Rubiales held a press conference to confirm that he would not resign, the 42-year-old military leader was said to have applauded. However, Vilda affirmed that he clapped when receiving notice from Rubiales that his contract would be extended. "When 150 people applauded, it was hard for me not to. I never support sexism or other forms of inequality. When I went to the conference, I wasn't sure what would happen . We even thought Rubiales would resign," Vilda said.

Although she feels unfair, Vilda still wishes her successor coach Montse Tome luck. He believes that the legacy he leaves behind is a well-defined playing style as well as training methods that are well understood by the players. Vilda believes that Tome is capable of promoting that and succeeding.