Ángel Vilda wants Spain to entertain

Spain begin their bid for a second UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship title on Monday against host nation the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Ángel Vilda's squad also meet France, another former champion, and the Netherlands in Group B. Vilda, who last year guided Spain to the final of the Women's U17 event, spoke to UEFA.com about his ambitions, how he likes his teams to play and who he regards as contenders for the ninth edition of the tournament.

UEFA.com: You recovered from a loss to Iceland in the second qualifying round with crucial victories against the Czech Republic and Russia to secure your finals place. What did you say to your team after that opening defeat?

Ángel Vilda: After losing that game in the manner we did – we created 26 chances – what I had to say was simple: 'This is the only match we can afford to lose.' The girls responded well, winning 5-0 against the Czechs and we dominated our 'final' against Russia and created many chances.

UEFA.com: You can count on the core of the team that reached last year's UEFA European Under-17 Championship final. Is that advantageous?

Ángel Vilda: It's important because these girls have international experience and know what it is like to compete in the final phase of a tournament. Added to that is the fact we don't play friendlies, so that experience is important.

UEFA.com: What are your goals for the tournament?

Ángel Vilda: Last year we didn't reach this stage of the competition so now our goal is to feel our way into the tournament and compete as best we can. We have the problem that the girls also have to study because they have important exams on 7 June, right after the championship.

UEFA.com: How will you manage the issue of the girls having to study?

Ángel Vilda: The priority is their studies; we will treat the football side as an escape. Playing with this in their minds is very important and within our group we have very qualified people in charge of making sure the girls can manage both.

UEFA.com: Who do you consider to be favourites for the title?

Ángel Vilda: There are five or six but the big favourites are Germany, who are above and beyond the rest. Then there is a group of four including Spain. We are going to play in a style that will please not only those who come to see us but also the players themselves.

UEFA.com: Can you pick out two or three players from your team and tell us why they are so important?

Ángel Vilda: Our goalkeeper, Sandra Paños, has great potential. María Galán, in central defence, is on the road to playing for the senior team. I hope midfielder Vicky Losada will prove to be one of the best in her position at this tournament, while up front Esther González has been impressing since her time with the U17s.

UEFA.com: How do you see the development of women's football in Spain?

Ángel Vilda: In terms of promoting the game things are better than ever. From the point of view of those players born since 1994, they are showing more quality and they are far better prepared. The federation and the territorial associations, as well as the National Women's Liga, are doing everything within their power to ensure the development is happening as quickly as possible. We are trying to catch up.

For a more in-depth look at Spain and how they gear up for these finals, click here.