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The Spanish FA in September said the 15 had
threatened to quit the team if Vilda was not fired and they
would not be welcomed back until they recognised their mistake
and asked for forgiveness.
Vilda duly left the cohort out of his squad for a pair of
friendlies against Sweden and the United States, and guided
Spain to a 1-1 draw against the Swedes and a 2-0 upset of the
Americans.
Ahead of the Cup of Nations tournament in Australia, Vilda
pointed to the results and took umbrage when a reporter asked
why his "best team" had been left behind.
"So I am asking for respect for my team," he told a media
conference through a translator in Sydney.
"We are preparing for the World Cup and your question seems to
be a bit disrespectful towards the team."
Pressed on whether he had the best team available to him, Vilda
said: "It is the best team that I want to train. And nothing
else."
The exiled players complained to the Spanish FA that they were
unhappy with the management of injuries, the atmosphere in the
locker room, and Vilda's handling of team selection and
training, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.
The group said on social media in September that they had not
demanded Vilda's dismissal but expressed what they believed
could help improve performance.
World number seven Spain kick off the four-team Cup of Nations
against Jamaica in Gosford on Thursday, with World Cup co-hosts
Australia to meet the Czech Republic in the second match of a
double-header.
Spain will meet Costa Rica, Zambia, and Japan in Group C at the
July 20-Aug. 20 World Cup.
(Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Sonali Paul)
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