In the latest call-up by national coach Montse Tomé, Jenni Hermoso and Irene Paredes were left out of the squad for the next national team commitment. This move has generated great anticipation and various interpretations among sports fans, especially because both players have been key figures in the recent history of women's football in Spain.
Jenni Hermoso, the all-time top scorer for the Spanish national team, has been a cornerstone in the team's success and qualification for international competitions. Her absence from the call-up has surprised many, as her experience and leadership on the field continue to be highly valued. On the other hand, Irene Paredes, a central defender of great stature, has also established herself as one of the most important players in the national team’s setup.
The decision of Montse Tomé, who took over as coach in a challenging context following the 2023 World Cup, has generated various opinions. While the coach has explained that these absences are due to tactical reasons and the need to assess other players in their positions, the situation is still striking, considering the impact Hermoso and Paredes have had on Spanish football.
Dissatisfaction in the Team
According to various sources close to the national team’s dressing room, the reasons behind these absences seem to be linked more to behavioral issues than strictly sporting ones. In the case of Jenni Hermoso and Misa Rodríguez, it has been noted that their attitude when asked to play in substitute roles during the last competition period was not the most appropriate. Hermoso, who went from being an undisputed starter to a secondary role, publicly expressed her dissatisfaction during the Olympic Games, which, according to sources close to the coaching staff, was not well received by Montse Tomé. The Tigres player made it clear that she did not understand her role change, which seems to have affected her relationship with the coach.
The situation has sparked a wave of reactions, including one from Vero Boquete, who expressed her indignation, recalling how she was also sidelined from the national team in a similar manner when Jorge Vilda took over as coach. Boquete called the treatment of Paredes "lamentable" and "shameful," reminding everyone that when it comes to a key player and captain, decisions should be made clearly, humanely, and professionally.