Following a disappointing result, Mikel Merino emphasized the importance of resilience for the Spanish national team. The Arsenal midfielder expressed that while the sentiment might feel like mourning, it’s essential to understand that losses, even in the form of draws, can sometimes sting as deeply as defeats. Spain’s opening match at the World Cup ended in a 0-0 tie against Cape Verde, a result that fell short of their aspirations. Now, as the team returns to their training camp in Tennessee, Merino insists that they must process this outcome collectively, as a family, before they get another chance to play.
In the wake of the unexpected draw, Merino found himself addressing a crowded press room, serving as the voice of the team. He was the only player absent from the morning training session following the match, making his appearance even more significant. Facing rows of journalists and the inevitable scrutiny that follows such results, he stated, “No one died, it’s not a mourning exactly, but at times defeats can feel like that,” With poise, he managed 30 minutes of inquiries, providing perspective and motivation. He recalled Spain’s 2010 World Cup journey, noting, “If there’s one thing that’s not good for us, it is for there to be panic,”
Merino elaborated on the emotional toll of games that don’t meet expectations: “Like every game that doesn’t go as you’d like, every player lives with that mourning,” He highlighted the philosophy promoted by coach Luis de la Fuente, emphasizing the need for improvement regardless of the outcome. “Some like to watch the game back straight away, some like to disconnect and think about other things instead. You have to swallow the disappointment. We have to recover as soon as we can. Luis [de la Fuente] always says that it’s about trying to be better tomorrow, even if you’ve won. We’re always self-critical. Personally, I am not one to send messages [to fans]; I think the best message is the next game, turning it around with a win.” he noted. “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 also conveyed the significance of unity within the squad during tough times, stating, “It is important to have ego; as a footballer, with all the criticism from outside you need it to feel good on the pitch. But you also need the humility to know that this belongs to everyone. Players come to the national team because they are important [at their clubs] and find a new reality where only a few can play. “That’s what the word ‘family’ is. We have to be united, support each other in every moment. You can be annoyed, angry, but that energy has to be positive.” Merino underscored the importance of having both ego and humility as players navigate the challenges of representing the national team. “Maybe I didn’t express myself well,”
The emotional weight can indeed burden players, as Merino acknowledged. Reflecting on his earlier comment regarding mourning, he clarified, “It was an attempt at a metaphor, a comparison. You’re so competitive that when it doesn’t go well, sometimes you go home and don’t even want to talk to your family. That’s why I say it’s like a mourning. Everyone deals with it differently. I like to face it and watch [games back] as soon as possible but that doesn’t mean it’s the best approach for everyone. “What you want after a bad game is to play again straight away to get the bad taste out of your mouth. The risk [of the expanded World Cup] is you have lots of time to go over it; it’s a mental challenge to deal with that, evade all that and be as free as you can mentally.” while affirming the metaphorical intent behind his words. He explained that the competitive nature of the sport can lead players to retreat emotionally after disappointing results. “That’s a reality; it’s part of the business, the reason we earn what we earn, why football is so big, so important: because you’re here to cover it, to create stories through which we explain things to fans,” he stated, noting that the extended timeframe of this World Cup poses its own mental challenges.
Merino remarked on the unique pressures of performing in front of the public eye, saying, “There are players who like it more, or like it less, but it’s part of the ‘circus’ and we have to accept it and live with it. “Everyone handles these moments their own personal way. I’m one of those that finds it hard to swallow a bad result but with time I’ve realised that it is best to [confront it] and start trying to turn it around as soon as possible. Four, five hours and you realise that this [World Cup] has just started, that there is time to fix it. Then you can focus on the group, on what helps them. Put a hand on the shoulder of whoever is hurt because they didn’t play, or missed a chance. Or know who needs space for that mourning.” He acknowledged that while some players embrace the spotlight more than others, it is an integral aspect of the sport that must be accepted. “I like to see the positive side,” he said, alluding to the media circus surrounding football.
He concluded with reflections on the necessity of rapid recovery from setbacks, stating, “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; that is an example to follow from people who were idols. I often take inspiration from athletes who have lived my dreams before I did. That generation means so much for this one: we want to emulate them.” Merino pointed to the recent draw between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, interpreting it as an opportunity for Spain to reset. “Against Scotland something similar happened so we have the experience of dealing with it,” he reminded, recalling how Spain overcame a similar predicament in 2010. “This can help the team understand and it’s still early: we have time and room for improvement. We have the humility and confidence, the calmness, to get better, not to go mad because the result wasn’t good.” He added that despite the pressure, the team retains the humility and confidence to improve without succumbing to panic.
