Vilda: “I want Spain and Morocco to be in the Games”

It’s been a month since you moved to Morocco, how would you sum it up?

Everything happened very quickly but very positively. Arriving, forming a coaching staff, but I am very happy. I found a federation that is truly committed to women’s football and above all the great reception of the team, of the players. And on top of that, we debuted with success.

What has impressed you the most all this time?

Team first. How convinced they are to play and that they are very receptive. And on the other hand, the amazing facilities they have, the resources they have that are world-class. And then there is the love of people. The passion that the national team has generated among the fans is incredible.

Tell me how it all happened? When did you receive the call from Morocco?

Everything is very fast. The sports director called me together with the women’s football management and they asked me to be the coach. They admitted to me that I was not the only one, with a shortlist, but if I decided yes, they would rate me as the first option.

I went to Morocco so they could tell me everything. There they explained to me their conditions, everything they could give me and I was the first choice. They want to have a world champion coach.

Is it true that you entered a shortlist with other technicians and even managed the lower categories below a coach?

No, in any case. The offer will always be the coach of the senior women’s team and also has an impact on the lower category. To have a working model from top to bottom. Above me is the sports director and the management who make the decisions. In any case, anything different from this. Always as the consummate women’s coach.

What does Jorge Vilda have to do now in women’s football?

Right now, the first thing is to create a competitive team, a structure so it’s not a flash in the pan. We are talking about a four-year project and where the goal is to improve results from the senior team to the U17 team. And it also includes a talent acquisition program. This is a comprehensive project in Moroccan women’s football, which has a bright future and where we have all the means at our disposal to make it happen.

Big debut, two games-two victories, tell me the sensations experienced?

First (and he smiled) this was my first experience with African football. It is a tie where we have to convince the players in this first contact, but we know that we are in danger of a place in the next draw. I have some players with an incredibly competitive mentality, great predisposition and also a lot of desire and potential to improve.

What do you remember about your first success? How is it celebrated in the locker room?

Here goals and achievements are celebrated with great joy and intensity. The first one doesn’t guarantee your classification but the second one they celebrate it like they did something big. And I love that, I think it’s so pretty. Because the day may come when it cannot be achieved and we will have a lot of sadness and anger.

Tell me what happened when they came back after winning the second match…

Well, this is something amazing. When we returned to the Federation facilities, all the workers were there with bouquets of flowers, petals… We were greeted by music, everyone was dancing. And in the end they even made me dance! Something I’m not very good at. It was a very special moment and a great start. I don’t want to think what will happen when we achieve something bigger…

That’s what I’ll tell you. Imagine if you put the team in the Paris Olympics! Do you see this dream as possible?

We will work hard to achieve it and live it. Because if we do, it can be something very powerful. This is the first time in history that they have achieved this after qualifying for the World Cup for the first time this past summer. It’s all very fast, but this is clearly our goal. But it won’t be easy. Now in February we have to face Tunisia and if we pass, Zambia or Ghana will be waiting for us, which are two very strong teams. It will be very difficult, but not impossible, and we will give everything to achieve it.

What football is Jorge Vilda trying to do in Morocco?

The same football played by all the teams I have coached so far. But for that we must first have the ability to know how to bring out all the virtues and potential of our players. The team came from playing with style and now we want to take a step forward both in the way we attack and defend. All this requires a process, also knowing which rivals are ahead of us. There is a certain similarity with what happened to us a few years ago with Spain where we did not have the same physique as other teams but we made up for it with our talent.

How does Jorge Vilda address the players?

Most of them speak French and others only Arabic. But all of them, and this is incredible, have a total predisposition to listen. I also have the help of Saad Germane who is the interpreter. He has been working at Villarreal for a long time and is a native. He came to work with me and was an important piece.

You’ve put together a trusted team. Who are they?

Yes, I brought a team with full confidence with Miguel Ángel Sopuerta as first assistant; Diego Díaz Garrido as goalkeeping coach; Guillermo Guerra as analyst and David Utrera as physical trainer. People I trust completely

And you’ve lived in Morocco but so far alone, right?

Eventually the children started school and could no longer attend. But once they arrive, they arrive, because Rabat is an extraordinary city to live in

What is your daily routine?

For now, start all over. Even outside of FIFA dates we also focus on players playing in the local league. Everyday is working in the office, and having a lot of interaction with all the team coaches as well as other selectors. We just started.

Can you imagine a day when Morocco plays against Spain?

Why not? That could also happen at the Olympic Games in Paris next summer. I would really like if Spain and Morocco were both in the Olympic event. This is one of the most demanding because only twelve teams can attend. It’s very demanding

How many times have you seen the world champion medal? Do you believe it?

Now I have it in Spain (laughs) but it is true that when I came back from the World Cup, every day someone came home, it was the great attraction for everyone. It is something historic and unforgettable.

And do you imagine yourself as the coach of Morocco in 2030, the year of the men’s World Cup?

There’s still a lot of time left for that and it’s looking too far ahead. Right now the next thing is to qualify and play in the Olympic Games

What about the whole Jenni Hermoso thing?

Right now it’s an issue I can’t discuss because it’s in the hands of a judge and we have to wait for his final decision. I made my position and thinking clear when I came to testify.

What if I ask you about Spain?

Right now, Spain has a team that can mark an era, a great team that has a chance to win absolutely everything in the next five years.