Spain’s coach, Federico Vidal Montalvo (born in Jerez de la Frontera, 1973), is set to resume his role leading the national team. After a medical leave that began on September 9 due to an undisclosed health issue. The RFEF did not specify the nature of the problem, and this period coincided with controversy surrounding applause for former president Luis Rubiales. Vidal Montalvo, an Andalusian coach, will return to the bench for two friendly matches against Germany scheduled for February 4 and 6 in Aschaffenburg and Wetzla.
This marks the first time in history that Spain will face the German team. Vidal Montalvo’s last matches were two friendlies against Brazil on April 16 and 17 in Zaragoza and Teruel, both resulting in defeats (2-5 and 4-5). During his nearly five-month absence, the Jerez coach focused on his recovery with the support of his family. Additionally, he coordinated the activities of the Spanish National Team alongside his work team, with Mon Barreiro from Galicia serving as the second coach.
Despite being on medical leave, Vidal Montalvo continued to have the final say in all team selections.
He expressed full confidence in his interim replacement, Albert Canillas. Who led Spain through the six matches played in the Elite Round between September and December. Canillas achieved five victories against Italy, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia, with only one draw against Slovenia, securing a direct ticket to the World Cup in Uzbekistan with the top spot in their group.
Vidal Montalvo made his first public appearance on December 27 in a video released by the RFEF.
Reflecting on 2023 and emphasizing the team’s goal of succeeding in the upcoming World Cup. After the Christmas holidays, he resumed his schedule and attended the Spanish Super Cup in Jaén on January 6 and 7. Where he announced his return to the bench. Throughout his convalescence, he remained active, maintaining contact with his staff, federation, club leaders, coaches, and players, conveying optimism about his return and focusing on the World Cup in Uzbekistan.
Returning to the bench after almost five months, Vidal Montalvo aims to vindicate himself. Having been a federation employee for fourteen years and in charge of the senior team for six years since replacing José Venancio López, he looks forward to leading the team through World Cup qualification.
Spain national team’s concentration is set to begin on January 29 in Madrid, and the team will travel on February 2 for the matches against Germany. The coach has called up 16 players, with Jimbee Cartagena contributing the most international players (Chemi, Tomaz, Mellado, and Pablo Ramírez). Team’s base for the World Cup will be formed by these players, although Dídac Plana, Catela, and Sergio Lozano are unavailable due to injuries. The upcoming break is the fourth and longest of the season designed by the RFEF, and the competition will resume on February 14. Another break is scheduled from April 8 to 17, during which Spain will play additional friendlies before Fede Vidal announces the official lists of players for the World Cup, taking place from September 14 to October 6.