Sonia Bermúdez: “You’ll see a Spain that wants to win”

The press room at Castalia was packed with journalists awaiting Bermúdez’s pre-match press conference before Spain’s Group A3 opener against Iceland on 3 March (7:00pm). With the first three points of the campaign at stake, the head coach underlined the importance of starting strongly and highlighted the challenge posed by the opposition:

“Iceland are a collective opponent — it’s not just one player. They transition well, they’re very physical, they press high and they never stop running. We’ll have to be at our best to hurt them.”

Spain have prepared thoroughly for the encounter:

“It’s been a very good few days of training. We’ve worked on exactly what we wanted to work on, and the positive thing is that everyone has trained at a very high level. All players are available for selection.”

The Madrid-born coach admitted the squad are eager to get started:

“We can’t wait for tomorrow to begin this new journey. We have to start with a win. Iceland are a very uncomfortable opponent who will make things difficult. The players have made selection very tough with their performances in training — and you’ll see a Spain that wants to win.”

On the younger players included in the squad, Bermúdez was clear:

“Every call-up has to be earned. You have to perform well at your club. We knew them from the youth categories and we know what they can offer. Once here, they have to compete for their place. The level and intensity in training have been very high.”

She reaffirmed Spain’s overall ambition:

“Our objective is to finish top of the group — that’s our mentality. But we want to go game by game, and the first one is tomorrow.”

Defending world champions

The challenge of defending Spain’s world title is clear:

“The goal is to qualify as group winners. The players are more than ready to take on that challenge. We’re excited to start competing and to take it one match at a time. The toughest opponent is always the next one.”

Bermúdez also congratulated Mariona Caldentey, who is set to reach a milestone:

“She’ll play to reach 100 caps because she’s earned it. She joins the centurions’ club, which is a privilege. Jenni, Alexia and Irene are already there — and now her. I’m sure she’ll have a spectacular match.”

The head coach encouraged supporters to attend the match at Castalia:

“They told me it only rains 20 days a year in Castellón… So from here, I want to encourage the fans — they have the chance to watch the best players in the world. We’ll give our very best. I hope they come, enjoy a great match and help us secure those crucial first three points.”

Finally, Bermúdez sent her congratulations to recent mothers in the squad:

“Congratulations to our captain Irene Paredes, who has become a mother again, and to Esther, who has become a mother for the first time. We wish them and their families all the best — that’s what matters most.”