Sonia Bermúdez: “Our Objective Is to Finish Top of the Group”

Shortly after 12:30 on Thursday, 28 May, Sonia Bermúdez appeared in the Villalonga Hall to address the press after unveiling her squad for Matchdays 5 and 6 of the qualifying campaign.

The coach began by paying tribute to former international Virginia Torrecilla, who featured in the squad announcement video:

“We want to thank Virginia for the wonderful squad announcement she created. We absolutely loved it. There is no better ambassador. It will be a pleasure to play in her homeland and hopefully she will bring us good luck. We are really looking forward to going to Mallorca.”

Bermúdez also sent her best wishes to goalkeeper Enith Salón as she continues her recovery.

On Alexia Putellas’ departure from FC Barcelona

“Alexia has not retired from football. I knew that would be the first question. I could talk about her for hours and I actually prepared a few words.

Talking about Alexia means talking about a player who has redefined what it means to compete and lead in world football. She closes a chapter that is already part of our sport’s history. She leaves having given absolutely everything, maintaining the highest standards for more than a decade.

That is her legacy: never giving up. From the national team, we have witnessed much more than just talent. For me and for all of us, she leaves at exactly the right moment, at the top of the game — something reserved only for the greatest legends in elite sport.

Her impact goes far beyond trophies. It will continue through every boy and girl inspired by her. She leaves Spain a unique way of understanding football, and her legacy will continue with the Spanish national team.”

On her move abroad, Bermúdez added:

“Those are very personal decisions. Every player earns the right to play wherever they want. We will continue to follow her wherever she goes. She still has many years ahead of her and remains at a very high level.”

On Aiara’s absence and Andrea Medina’s call-up

“Aiara has had a fantastic season. She is not in the squad because she is 17 years old and her university entrance exams coincide with this international window. Looking at the bigger picture, the best thing for her is to focus on those exams.

We wish her the best of luck. She told us she is going to pass them. She wants to become a nurse and hopefully the best in the world.

Andrea Medina comes in instead. We know her very well from the youth teams. She is a U-20 World Cup winner, attacks well, is aggressive and wins her duels. We always bring in the players who are performing best at the time. We are looking forward to seeing her on Monday.”

On transfers and club departures during the international window

“The players are fully focused on this international window. They are determined to win both matches and take the six points needed to finish top of the group, which is our objective.”

On having four Mallorca-born players in the squad

“They have already requested a lot of tickets. Son Moix is going to be full. These are unique moments. It is a huge match against a fantastic opponent on home soil. They should enjoy it.”

On contract uncertainty and club farewells

“It is part of the profession. Every summer we know what to expect. Players are professionals and know how to separate those situations. Their focus is entirely on England and Iceland. They are determined to win both games.”

On Aitana Bonmatí’s return

“She is doing well. She is coming back from a serious injury but is very excited to be with us again and contribute. She is one of our captains and I know she is delighted to return to the national team.”

On Clara Serrajordi’s emergence

“She is a player we know very well from the youth ranks. This season she made the step up to Barcelona’s first team.

She wants to learn, she listens and she asks questions to improve. That mentality is one of the keys to development. Young players need patience. The difficult thing is not reaching the top level, it is staying there.

She still has a long way to go. Let her enjoy football and allow her time to grow.”

On the England clash and Spanish players moving abroad

“In England we lacked efficiency and could have created clearer chances. We lost 1–0 and now we need to win by two goals to move into first place. Then we still have to beat Iceland away from home, which is always difficult.

It will be a demanding international window, but this team has already shown what it can do against the best sides in Europe. We have played Nations League semi-finals, scored plenty of goals and competed at the highest level. Now we need to be more clinical with our chances.

As for players moving abroad, we respect whatever decisions they make. Of course I would love to have them all here, but it is their choice. Our job is to follow them and assess their performances wherever they play.”

On Salma Paralluelo’s form

“Salma is in a very good moment. She scored twice in the Champions League and remains a player with outstanding physical qualities.

I am not going to tell you exactly where she will play because England might be listening. We will try to put her in the best position possible to help us win these matches.”

On Andrea Medina and England’s strengths

“I have already spoken about Andrea and the excellent season she has had with Atlético de Madrid. Defensively she is performing at a very high level and she possesses a wonderful left foot that allows her to contribute in attack.

Against England we will try to fine-tune every detail that can help us secure victory.”

On filling Son Moix

“I want to encourage everyone to come to Son Moix. We need their support. A lot of English fans will be in Mallorca, but we want the stadium to be full of red shirts. Come and support the team — we need you.”

Bermúdez concluded by reiterating Spain’s ambition:

“The players are fully aware of how important these two matches are. We want to finish top of the group.”