Spanish coach snubbed by own players in awkward World Cup celebrations

There were seriously awkward scenes after Spain’s World Cup win as the head coach was blatantly ignored by players in the celebrations.

Spain's coach was snubbed in the celebrations.

There were awkward scenes in the aftermath of Spain’s historic Women’s FIFA World Cup win as their coach appeared to be blatantly snubbed by players in the celebrations.

Spain claimed a 1-0 win in the final on Sunday night over England to claim their first ever Women’s World Cup trophy.

The Spaniards took the lead midway through the first half when captain Olga Carmona struck a sublime finish into the bottom corner to put her side up 1-0.

They had several chances to extend their lead including a penalty for a handball that was saved by Mary Earps, despite the England goalkeeper appearing to be off her line.

But despite the historic moment, the celebrations weren’t quite as euphoric as you’d expect.

After the full-time whistle was blown, Spain’s players and coaching staff celebrated in two separate huddles on opposite ends of Sydney’s Stadium Australia.

There were more awkward scenes when Spain’s coach Jorge Vilda later jumped for joy in among his team’s jubilant players — but none of them acknowledged him or looked even remotely interested in embracing him.

this has ended me pic.twitter.com/Ddksw73IzF

— Jonathan Liew (@jonathanliew) August 20, 2023

As my excellent colleague @jbraidwo points out, a celebration to sum it up. Coaching staff one side, players another pic.twitter.com/ATvNVn1Iyv

— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) August 20, 2023

Niav Owens on Optus Sport: “Interesting scenes at full time. The coaches celebrated together, the players celebrated together.”

Some of Spain’s players did later celebrate with Vilda and hoisted him up on their shoulders.

The players did lift him up. Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP

Despite the Spanish team’s success at the World Cup, Vilda’s tenure has been marred by controversy and he is an unpopular figure in the Spain dressing room.

That was clear for all to see after Spain beat Sweden in the semi-finals to reach the final, as Vilda was left by himself as the players celebrated together.

The issues of his management date back several years, as up until 2019 Spanish players were reportedly banned from locking their hotel room doors before midnight.

Spain's head coach Jorge Vilda celebrates in the middle of his playing group. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP)

Vilda’s coaching tenure has been riddled with controversy. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

That was so Vilda could carry out checks of the rooms, while players were also forced to show the contents of their bags if they brought something in to training.

Last year, 15 Spain stars staged a boycott of their national team because of Vilda’s tenure, as they accused him of treating them like “children”.

Only three of those 15 returned for their World Cup squad.

Last year, Barcelona trio Mapi Leon, Patri Guijarro and Claudia Pina all refused to play at the World Cup as players called for greater care and professionalism.

A statement read: “We want firm support for a professional project for women’s football.

“A project that takes care of every aspect to help us get the best performance possible from a group of players we consider can achieve better and great honours.

“By any means, we have not quit the national team, as the Spanish FA say. Our commitment to the national team remains the same.”

Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas was among the 15 players to boycott.

While she did return to play Down Under, friction remained with Vilda.

She reacted angrily to being substituted against Sweden, ignoring her manager as she went off and he tried to high-five her.

Putellas was also left on the bench for the final, not being brought on until the very closing stages.

— With The Sun