The night preceding a pivotal moment in their careers, the Spanish national team players, reminiscent of the 2010 World Cup champions, will convene in the MC Montclair in New Jersey. Unlike their predecessors who enjoyed hot chocolate and pastries, this squad will forgo such luxuries as they prepare for the final.
“I think the nutritionists killed that one for us!” remarked Mikel Merino, as he stepped off the bus and headed towards the tactics room at the Melanie Lane training facility. With the final looming, he emphasized the importance of treating the match as just another opportunity to play a game they have loved since childhood. “We used to do the Cola Cao and cakes in the under-19s and under-21s, copying the seniors, but not any more. Everyone has their own routine, but the main thing is to normalise it all: just another game, doing something we know how to do, that we’ve done since we were five years old and that we love. Treat it like something to be enjoyed, another day in our lives.”
It has indeed been a remarkable year for Merino. “Just the other day we were talking about this; if you had given me the chance, I would have signed up for this: going through the bad moments to have a year like this is incredible. The experiences I’ve been through, that my family have.” is how he describes it. Reflecting on his journey, he noted, “I’m living every minute with an incredible joy,” His achievements include a Premier League title, a Champions League final appearance, the birth of his first child, and now, a chance to compete in a World Cup final. However, he faced a serious challenge with an injury that nearly derailed his dreams. “Think where I was a few months ago and look where I am now. I appreciate this all the more.” he stated, acknowledging how he appreciates his current position even more after overcoming obstacles.
Initially, the stress fracture in his foot created uncertainty about his World Cup participation. “When they told me about my injury I didn’t think I would be at the World Cup,” the 30-year-old confessed. After surgery at the end of January, relief came with the clarity of his situation, allowing him to focus on recovery. He spent two months on crutches before returning to rigorous training.
During this challenging period, Merino often found himself alone, yet his wife provided invaluable support. He humorously noted, “Just being here is a victory for me,” Through this experience, he discovered his own resilience, despite only managing 28 minutes of play between January and the World Cup. Leaving his newborn son, Marco, behind to join the team, he expressed gratitude for simply being part of the squad. “God willing we can win it.” he affirmed, hoping for a triumphant outcome.
Merino’s contributions have been crucial to Spain’s journey. He has emerged as a key player off the bench, much like Lautaro Martínez for Argentina. His belief in his preparation and effort is evident as he stated, “Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine this,” He has become a reliable scorer, netting important goals in critical moments. At Euro 2024, he scored in the dying minutes against Germany, and more recently, he netted a decisive goal against Portugal in the World Cup quarter-finals. However, he lamented his family’s absence during these milestones.
Celebrating his goals in a manner reminiscent of his father, Merino has forged his own identity while honoring family traditions. “My mum won’t buy that one, not even with a World Cup,” His experiences as a substitute have fostered a unique perspective, valuing every opportunity to contribute to the team’s success.
“I’m proud to follow in my dad’s footsteps, to have learnt all I’ve learnt from him, and the respect will always be there … even if I have the medal! “Coming from the bench isn’t the ideal plan for any player, but when you join a national team that’s as strong as I and Lautaro have, you value every opportunity and try to help your team if you come on or if you don’t. You focus on the present, embrace the situation, and think of yourself as the guy who can do it. I have complete belief in myself, my ability: every time I come on to the pitch I think I can have impact. In the final, I hope anyone [Spanish] is the hero. The trophy belongs to all of you, not just the 11 on the pitch.” he continued, acknowledging the need for self-belief amidst external pressures. Yet, he emphasizes humility as an equally vital trait. “It’s important to have ego as a footballer. With all the criticism from outside, you need it. But you also need the humility. Players come to the national team because they’re important [at their clubs] and find a new reality. It is easy to talk about ‘family’ but when things don’t go well, when they’re difficult, is when you truly see that. It’s thanks to Luis and the squad he assembled, focused on being a good human first and then being a good footballer. That helps a lot when it comes to spending a lot of time together. We know each other very well, we know when to joke, when to be silent; that’s the strength of the group. That after 46, 47 days all together, we’re still …” This camaraderie is bolstered by the guidance of coach Luis de la Fuente, who has cultivated a strong team ethos focused on being “I wouldn’t say we were bursting to spend another two months together,”
As the team prepares for the final, Merino humorously acknowledged the reality of their prolonged time together, saying, “Thank God, we’re coming to an end now, but, yes, we’re a very strong group. That’s why we’re here.” while affirming their strong bond. The players engage in various activities to unwind, including gaming and long conversations over meals, reflecting a deep-rooted collectiveness.
Merino recalled the nostalgia of their journey, connecting their current successes to their earlier achievements. “chatting about life, our kids, the future, holidays” This continuity has fostered a sense of unity within the squad, with many players having shared experiences growing up under De la Fuente’s guidance.
Merino remarked on the belief that has developed within the team, especially after facing early setbacks in De la Fuente’s tenure. Since then, they have achieved remarkable success, losing only once in 37 matches. “I think a couple they’re planning to go away together [after the World Cup],” he noted, emphasizing the talent present in their generation.
Looking ahead to the upcoming World Cup final against Argentina, Merino expressed excitement about facing Lionel Messi, acknowledging the intensity of the match. “Which is … impressive … after all this time. I don’t expect to see anyone!” He recognizes the challenge ahead but remains focused on executing their game plan and ensuring they play to their strengths.
Finally, Merino reflected on the legacy of the 2010 World Cup champions, stating, “I was talking to the coach about that the other day because it was the anniversary of that tournament,” With the opportunity to inspire a new generation, he embraces the magic of representing his country on football’s biggest stage.
