Sonia Bermúdez: “The Team Was Outstanding”
Following her debut on the bench for the Spanish national team, Sonia Bermúdez addressed journalists in the press room at La Rosaleda Stadium. She will not forget her first match in charge, as Spain claimed an emphatic 4–0 win, taking a strong advantage in the two-legged tie before traveling to Gothenburg next Tuesday, October 28.
Almost voiceless after a cold and a tense, emotional game, the Madrid-born coach made sure to mention Salma Paralluelo, who was forced to leave the field due to injury:
“We’ll see how she’s doing. She went off feeling sad, and we hope it’s nothing serious.”
When Salma left, Claudia Pina came on — a player who finished as MVP and whose versatility Bermúdez highlighted:
“Claudia can play as a winger, an attacking midfielder, or a striker. The plan was to bring her on in the second half to take advantage of her pace and quality, but after Salma’s injury, we had to make the change earlier. I see her as a forward, as a false nine, stretching the defense with the wingers. We’re very happy for her — she was outstanding, just like the entire team. We saw every player wanting to contribute, whether starting or coming off the bench. She scores goals, accelerates play, positions herself well, and helped us a lot tonight.”
Although she enjoyed the match, Bermúdez admitted it wasn’t exactly a dream debut:
“Is it a dream debut? It could be — not just because we scored four goals, but because of how we did it. Still, I can’t call it a dream debut when one of my players had to leave injured. I’m happy with the result, with the team’s work, with our pressing after losing the ball… we’re very, very pleased.”
🎙️ "Es un debut soñado. Estoy feliz por el trabajo del equipo".
🗣️ Sonia Bermúdez, seleccionadora nacional.
📺 https://t.co/EUMUqyKJZh#UWNL | JugarLucharYGanar pic.twitter.com/G3MnwfsjOJ— Selección Española Femenina de Fútbol (@SEFutbolFem) October 24, 2025
Choosing a favorite among the four goals was impossible for her:
“All four goals were spectacular. Today is a day to enjoy and celebrate — we’ll think about who plays the next match later.”
Asked about the two-leg format, Bermúdez responded pragmatically:
“The format is what it is; we can’t change it. For now, let’s celebrate today, and tomorrow we’ll start thinking about the return leg — which we also want to win.”
For Sonia, football remains her life’s passion:
“Being a footballer is the best thing in the world — I loved it. And now, in this new role, I’m enjoying it just as much. I’ll always remember my debut as a player — and now, this debut as a coach.”
🎙️ "He disfrutado mucho el partido y los cuatro goles han sido espectaculares".
🗣️ Sonia Bermúdez.
📺 https://t.co/EUMUqyKJZh#UWNL | JugarLucharYGanar pic.twitter.com/Ln6DvTdtzO— Selección Española Femenina de Fútbol (@SEFutbolFem) October 24, 2025
Sonia concluded her press conference by thanking the fans in Málaga for their warmth and support, saying they had given her a truly memorable debut.
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