Spain’s downfall in Andijan was a momentous low for the National Team. With the Round of 16 exit against Venezuela in the Uzbekistan World Cup resembling the foretold demise in Gabriel García Márquez’s Chronicle of a Death Foretold. The unexpected loss to Vinotinto caught some members of the Spanish Football Federation by surprise, including those in Las Rozas, where the decision to hire Jesús Velasco as Fede Vidal’s successor had been made months prior. “What did we expect when the coach was replaced and left in the stands?” commented a federation official.
The National Futsal Committee was enveloped in silence, save for murmurs of a deferred dismissal. Vidal’s own words in the mixed zone, apologizing and accepting responsibility. Came after Spain’s worst World Cup performance since 1989. Having been knocked out in the quarterfinals of the previous two World Cups, Spain’s early exit highlighted a decline. The once-dominant team, last crowned World Champion two decades ago, had not reached a final since 2012 and last tasted victory at the 2016 UEFA European Championship.
fede vidal
For Fede Vidal, the real blow came when he learned that Jesús Velasco had witnessed Spain’s defeat at the Andijan Universal Sports Complex. After weeks in Uzbekistan, dining alongside Antonio García Plata and José Miguel Calle, Vidal endured a humiliating conclusion to his tenure. “This is one of the most absurd things I’ve seen in the RFEF for years,” said a source within the territorial sphere to Relevo. To understand the erratic path the National Team followed, we need to look back to September 9, 2023. When the RFEF announced Vidal’s medical leave amid a media storm linked to former president Luis Rubiales’ controversial appearance. Even months earlier, the Murcian José Miguel Monje had already approached Velasco, only to be reminded by Barça of Velasco’s current contract and its termination clause: 250,000 euros.
During Vidal’s five-month absence due to a medical issue and surgery, Albert Canillas was appointed interim coach. Although it’s typical for an assistant coach to step up in such cases as Robert Moreno did for Luis Enrique. Mon Barreiro was bypassed in favor of Canillas, the Under-19 coach. Canillas successfully led Spain to qualify for the World Cup with five wins, a draw, and an exciting playstyle. Although Canillas was expected to continue Vidal’s work, he introduced his own tactics, including the central play approach with two specialists.
the choice
This choice led to friction, particularly over Juan Emilio’s inclusion, a player Vidal did not favor due to a past disagreement. Their relationship soured, culminating in the Barcelona coach not traveling to Uzbekistan. Despite the team’s comfort under Canillas, Vidal’s health improved, and he returned in February, facing a devastating loss to Germany that foreshadowed the World Cup disaster. Yet, he continued knowing his fate was sealed, with the RFEF already negotiating with Velasco.
In March, Barça finalized Tino Pérez’s contract, paving the way for Velasco to accept the RFEF’s offer. Even as Vidal began World Cup preparations, he knew his departure was certain, regardless of performance. His task was made more challenging by a lack of institutional support—except for goalkeeper Dídac Plana, few publicly acknowledged Vidal’s work. Figures like Eduardo García Belda, known as Miki, have voiced concerns about the impossible environment Vidal endured, as players and staff knew the leadership was destined to change. The atmosphere was filled with uncertainty, and many criticized the RFEF’s choice to retain Vidal when it was clear he wasn’t wanted. Some argue that Velasco should have been hired four years earlier.
complex situation
Despite his complex personal situation, Vidal made bold decisions, like selecting a reduced roster of 15 players. However, adjustments were needed, leading to urgent calls for Francisco Paniagua and Javier Mínguez in August. Tactical choices, such as relying on a 4-0 setup without a true pivot. Benching key players like Gordillo during critical moments, made Spain’s strategies predictable. Further criticism arose over handling Sergio Lozano’s situation, as he was pushed to recover quickly, only to sustain a calf injury that limited him to less than two minutes of play. His absence, along with underutilized talents like Javi Mínguez, left Spain lacking leadership and depth. Goalkeeping choices also drew scrutiny, especially the limited use of Chemi’s skills.
The tournament exposed weaknesses in Spain’s strategy and highlighted the generational gap, with an aging squad and only two recent Under-19 champions, Antonio Pérez and Jesús Gordillo, included. The issue of relying heavily on foreign talent in domestic clubs has compounded these problems, stalling a necessary generational shift. A shift in tactics and a clearer vision for the future is essential, yet the Federation’s response to Spain’s elimination—drawing a comparison to Portugal’s own Round of 16 exit—shows a lack of understanding. Unlike Spain, Portugal’s Federation supports its coach, Jorge Braz, with a strategic plan backed by expertise. In contrast, futsal has become a persistent challenge for the Spanish Federation, and while Velasco’s arrival is anticipated, he is unlikely to be the sole solution.
