Montse Tomé: "This team is destined to make history"

Before tomorrow's mouthwatering quarter-final clash against Switzerland, Montse Tomé appeared in the press room of a stadium where Spain are set to play for the third time during this Euros. Bern is a place where they have already won their two other matches, the opener against Portugal and the third group stage match against Italy. This time, in around 24 hours, the opposition is the host nation. "They are a team that varies their structure, but in this tournament they have used the same one. We’ve analysed their play and their players. We have thought about what we need to do to compete well against them. What we are clear on is what we ourselves need to do, we will go out to compete for every ball."

The midfield is fundamental Spain, as Montse Tomé assessed: "I’ve already spoken about Patri, she’s an important player, accompanied by Ale and Aitana, Vicky, Maite Zubieta, Mariona, Pina and Laia... many of the group have played in the centre of the park and it gives us a lot of variety and structure in both attack and defence. It’s very important for the style of play we believe in, with a midfield balanced between defending and attacking."

🎙️ "Este equipo está llamado a hacer historia".

🗣️ @montse_tome, seleccionadora nacional.#WEURO2025 | #JugarLucharYGanar pic.twitter.com/ZHfmVURx5y
— Selección Española Femenina de Fútbol (@SEFutbolFem) July 17, 2025

On who will be in goal, the head coach would not be drawn: "I know there’s a lot of talk, but you’ll have to wait until tomorrow. The players don't know yet either, but we will have to be competitive to beat Switzerland."

Montse referred to the team’s goal stats: "We are one of the teams that have conceded the least, with only three goals against us and we are the highest-scoring team, with 14. The team wants to improve in all aspects, not just in defence. We have really top-level defenders and they are performing at the highest level, showing their talent, value to us, and ability. The backline is not a weakness. We are also mindful of the players who are one card away from a suspension."

Following Esther’s absence from two training sessions, her reintegration into the group has gone very well and it has been a team effort across departments: "With Esther we’ve worked alongside the medical staff, and based her return on the player’s own feelings, Esther knows herself well. We’ve established a plan and tomorrow she could be involved."

The coach knows the team is facing a unique chance to make history: "It’s a wonderful challenge to have for the women’s national team, for all the staff, for the coaching team. For the whole of Spain it’s a huge challenge and it gives us immense excitement to be able to reach the semis and make history. This team is destined to make history and tomorrow we will compete to make it happen. We have a great work ethic and energy to enjoy every day."

Montse is excited about her day in day out work with players who are ever committed and aware of their responsibilities: "It’s something to applaud and publicly recognise — the way they’ve matured during this tournament to help us in the decisions we make, to be strong and to work hard every day. There’s a new level of maturity we’ve seen in this tournament and it’s key to the good state of this group. All of them have performed spectacularly and understood their roles, which can change from one match to the next. I like to defend the players because they give everything for this sport and this National Team."

🎙️ "Los cuartos de final de una Eurocopa te exigen mentalmente lo máximo".

🗣️ @montse_tome.#WEURO2025 | #JugarLucharYGanar pic.twitter.com/byes5i59Bk
— Selección Española Femenina de Fútbol (@SEFutbolFem) July 17, 2025

Tomé, who throughout the Euros has applauded Spain’s following and the packed out stadiums for the different teams, knows that the crowd tomorrow will be a boost for the hosts: "Seeing the stadium full is beautiful, it’s a sign of the evolution of this sport. One of the things we must achieve is to block out that noise. This job, in a high-level quarter-final, demands the most from you mentally, and with all the noise you have to concentrate on the plan and on what’s important in the match situation. It’s another big element we need from the players, and we want the team to compete well. We must manage to be ourselves even with so many people in the stands."