Spain: Montse Tome sacked, but the saga of incompetence is set to continue – Analysis
Spain's Women Continue to Face a Footballing Crisis
The Cycle Continues
Just over a year ago, then-Spain manager Montse Tome sparked outrage by barring Jenni Hermoso from the national team. This decision solidified her position as Jorge Vilda's successor and mirrored his controversial legacy. Now, following a tumultuous tenure, Tome’s contract with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has not been renewed.
Her replacement, Sonia Bermudez, offers little promise of change.
The Cost of Incompetence
Tome will be remembered for two things: embodying the continuity of disgraced former manager Jorge Vilda and failing to secure victory in the Euro 2025 against Spain’s fiercest rival, England. This follows a dramatic year which saw Luis Rubiales kiss Jenni Hermoso without consent during the World Cup final, ultimately leading to his resignation and that of Vilda.
Vilda faced criticism for lacking football expertise and for allegedly manipulating players psychologically in a sexist manner. He also consistently ignored players' recovery time, pushing them back onto the field before they were fully healed.
The Hermoso Saga: A Symptom of Deep-Rooted Issues
When Tome took over, she initially claimed to be protecting Hermoso from further harassment after the Rubiales incident. Months later, her excuse shifted to “Her head is not in football as a result of the harassment.” Tome’s decisions alienated players and cost her popularity, ultimately culminating in Spain's loss to England in the Euro 2025 final despite creating ample scoring opportunities.
This isn't simply about Hermoso; Tome also struggled to read games effectively, making questionable substitutions at crucial moments. Alexia Putellas, for example, was given less playing time than arguably deserved. The result of these decisions? A lost European title and a growing sense of unease within the team.
A Familiar Pattern: Continuity Over Competence
Like Luis de La Fuente's appointment to lead the men's senior side, the RFEF chose to look internally for Tome’s successor. Bermudez, known for her time as a midfielder for Atletico Madrid and with the national team, was chosen despite a worrying record coaching the U-19 side, which drew criticism from players and media alike.
This decision reeks of déjà vu. The RFEF seems intent on perpetuating a cycle of incompetence, prioritizing continuity over competence.
The Players' Demands: A Voice Ignored?
From the outset, the appointment of Bermudez has faced resistance. Reports claim that the dressing room is “surprised” by her selection and apprehensive about her abilities. This skepticism is understandable given her track record and Tome’s shortcomings.
Ultimately, this situation highlights the players' desire for professionalism and competence within their own sport. They deserve a coach who understands their needs and can lead them to victory, not another placeholder appointed out of convenience.
A Future Uncertain: The Cycle Continues
Tome’s tenure will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. She was criticized for ostracizing players who publicly questioned her leadership and claimed to be an “intense” coach, implying Hermoso wasn't a suitable fit for the squad – a ludicrous justification for exiling a key player from a World Cup-winning team.
RFEF president Rafael Louzan has shown little interest in supporting women’s football. Despite apologizing for the lack of humane treatment towards women during the Spanish Super Cup hosted in Saudi Arabia, he continues to host it under the same conditions. Meanwhile, he claims that women's football in Spain needs “strategic planning,” which seems to be perpetually out of reach.
The RFEF, whether under Rubiales or Louzan, consistently disregards women’s football. The cycle of appointing coaches solely based on continuity rather than competence continues, from Vilda to Tome to Bermudez. This disregard for the sport has cost Spain dearly: two potentially victorious competitions lost due to incompetence in managing the team.
Tome's dismissal may seem like a step forward, but it's a bandaid solution that doesn’t address the root of the problem. The appointment of Bermudez further reinforces the disturbing trend within Spanish football. Based on recent appointments, it seems as if record of incompetence is now the primary qualification for coaching Spain’s national team.