Mikel Merino has urged Spain to remain calm and unified after their disappointing 0-0 draw against World Cup debutants Cape Verde in Atlanta. The Arsenal midfielder described the feeling after the match as like a 'mourning' but stressed there is no need for panic.
Dealing with Disappointment
'No one died, it's not a mourning exactly, but at times defeats can feel like that,' Merino admitted. 'Like every game that doesn't go as you'd like, every player lives with that mourning. You have to swallow the disappointment.'
Speaking at the team's training camp in Tennessee, Merino emphasised the importance of self-criticism and recovery. '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.'
Unity and Humility
Merino highlighted the need for togetherness within the squad. '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 acknowledged the challenge of managing egos in a team full of star players. '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.'
Learning from History
Merino drew parallels with Spain's 2010 World Cup campaign, where they lost their first match but went on to win the tournament. '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.'
He also referenced the team's response to an early defeat under De la Fuente. 'Against Scotland something similar happened so we have the experience of dealing with it. This can help the team understand and it's still early: we have time and room for improvement.'
Mental Challenge
The expanded World Cup format means a longer gap between games, which Merino sees as a mental test. '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; it's a mental challenge to deal with that, evade all that and be as free as you can mentally.'
Merino concluded by stressing the team's confidence and calmness. 'We have the humility and confidence, the calmness, to get better, not to go mad because the result wasn't good.'
