Mikel Merino has urged Spain to remain united and calm following a frustrating 0-0 draw against Cape Verde in their World Cup opener, describing the aftermath as a period of 'mourning' that the team must overcome together.
Merino Addresses the Media
Speaking at a press conference in Tennessee, the Arsenal midfielder acknowledged the disappointment but stressed the importance of staying composed. 'If there's one thing that's not good for us, it is for there to be panic,' he said. Merino, the only player not training the morning after the match, faced a room full of journalists, handling questions with clarity and conviction.
Learning from History
Merino drew parallels to Spain's 2010 World Cup campaign, where they lost their first game before going on to win the tournament. 'The last world champion started by losing to Saudi Arabia. In 2010 Spain lost the first game and there was lots of criticism and they turned it around,' he noted. He also referenced Spain's defeat to Scotland under coach Luis de la Fuente, which ultimately strengthened the team's bond and led to European Championship success.
Unity and Humility
Emphasizing the need for unity, Merino said, 'It is easy to talk of 'family' but when things don't go well, when they are difficult, is when you truly see that 'family' – and I see unity, enthusiasm and a will to play well.' He highlighted the balance between ego and humility, stating that players must support each other despite personal frustrations.
Dealing with Disappointment
Merino admitted that the extended break before their next match poses a mental challenge. 'What you want after a bad game is to play again straight away to get the bad taste out of your mouth. The risk is you have lots of time to go over it,' he said. He encouraged his teammates to confront the disappointment and focus on improvement.
With six days until their next game, Spain will look to rebound and keep their World Cup hopes alive.
