Player Welfare Takes Center Stage
As the world of football grapples with a rising tide of injuries, Spain’s coach Montse Tomé has taken a bold stance by omitting star midfielder Aitana Bonmatí from the latest La Roja squad. The surprising decision has sparked a much-needed conversation about player welfare, with Tomé citing the need for Bonmatí to take a break from the grueling schedule.
The Toll of Non-Stop Football
Bonmatí’s omission comes on the heels of a summer spent representing Spain at the Olympic Games, followed by a hectic start to the season with Barcelona. The midfielder has played seven of Barça’s eight matches, but a minor injury forced her to miss the match against Madrid CFF on October 5. Tomé believes that Bonmatí needs to rest and recharge, prioritizing her health over her availability for the national team.
A Coaching Staff on High Alert
Tomé emphasized that the national team’s primary concern is the well-being of its players. The coaching staff closely monitors the performance of players across all leagues, carefully selecting those who can perform at their best physically. This approach has led to the omission of Bonmatí’s teammate Irene Paredes, who only recently returned from an injury layoff.
A “Sporting” Decision
While Paredes’ exclusion may raise eyebrows, Tomé insists that it’s a purely sporting decision. The central defender, one of Spain’s captains, has featured in Barça’s last four fixtures, but Tomé believes that her fitness levels aren’t yet optimal for international duty.
Injury Woes and Squad Selection
Salma Paralluelo, another Barça forward, will miss out due to injury, but stalwarts like Alexia Putellas and Jenni Hermoso have made the cut. As world champions Spain prepare to face Canada on October 25 and Italy on October 29, Tomé’s squad selection sends a clear message: player welfare takes precedence over winning at all costs.
A Broader Crisis in Football
The issue of player welfare extends far beyond Spain’s borders. European football chiefs and the global players’ union, FIFPRO, have joined forces to criticize FIFA’s handling of the global football calendar. The two organizations have filed an antitrust complaint against FIFA, arguing that the governing body is abusing its power by prioritizing tournament revenue over player well-being. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: something needs to change to protect the health and longevity of football’s most valuable assets – its players.
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