Megan Rapinoe, the captain of the United States women's team, attended the media this Monday in Pamplona, at the Osasuna Sports City, the day before the match that this Tuesday will face the world champion with Jorge's Spain Vilda. Rapinoe, 37, answered questions from journalists in the gym, sheltered from the rain. And among all the issues, she highlighted her support for the 15 players of the Spanish team who ask for changes to the Federation.
"It is a sad situation, but as we have seen in our country and in other places, the players have to continue fighting for what seems minimal in terms of how they are treated and the resources available to them and general respect. For my part and Also everyone here (referring to her teammates), we are 100% with the players," she said.
Rapinoe claims to understand the soccer players and supports them, but believes that the solution requires a dialogue between both parties. "I feel like I can empathize with the players. We've seen a lot of players come together and respectfully express their concerns about the methodology, their sense of what needs to be improved, and having a professional environment in the way they're treated. Obviously I've been in that situation many times, so I know how difficult it is to get there. I think they need to stick together and have a dialogue. I don't think the Federation can solve anything without talking things out like I think the players did. I would encourage everyone to come together and keep talking."
“In the end, what they want is to be the best team in the world and win tournaments. They are some of the best players in the world and it is very sad to see them like this, but as we have seen in our country and other places, we sportswomen still have to fight for what seems to be the minimum, that is, general respect. All of us here are 100% with the players," she summarizes.
The American claims not to have spoken with the Spanish players, but invites the Federation to lower their guard a bit to be able to talk openly with the players. “I have not spoken directly with the players. I only heard what is public, but in the end they are the same problems that exist throughout the world in one way or another. Are the resources up to the players? Are they getting everything they need on and off the field?" she wonders.
"The treatment of the players needs to be improved and the environment professionalized as much as possible. I hope that the federation can lower its guard a bit and have an open and honest conversation with the players and accept constructive criticism to see where it needs to improve and go ahead. There are 12 months left for the World Cup and, obviously, it will be worse if Spain is not at its best moment", he stressed.
