Mikel Merino Urges Calm After Spain's World Cup Setback

Mikel Merino urges Spain to stay calm after their World Cup opener ended in a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde on June 17, 2026.

The Arsenal midfielder admitted that defeats can feel like a mourning, but insisted that panic is not the answer.

Spain's World Cup campaign got off to a disappointing start with a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.

The team is now looking to bounce back in their next game.

Mikel Merino was the only player not out on the pitch the morning after the draw.

Merino's comments come as Spain faces a tough road ahead in the World Cup.

The team's performance against Cape Verde was not what they had hoped for.

Merino reminded everyone that Spain lost their first game in 2010 and still won the World Cup.

Spain will have to wait six days before their next game.

Merino said that the team must recover as soon as possible and focus on the next game.

He also emphasized the importance of unity and humility within the team.

The players must support each other and be united in their goal to play well.

Merino expressed himself well, using the metaphor of mourning to describe the feeling of defeat.

He said that everyone deals with defeat differently, but the goal is to play again as soon as possible.

The risk of the expanded World Cup is that teams have too much time to think about their mistakes.

Merino's message to the fans is that the best way to respond to a bad game is to play well in the next one.

He prefers to face his mistakes head-on and watch the game back as soon as possible.

But he acknowledged that this approach may not work for everyone.

The team's coach, Luis de la Fuente, always says that it's about trying to be better tomorrow.

Merino is not one to send messages to fans, but he believes that the best message is to turn it around with a win.

The team's unity and enthusiasm will be crucial in their upcoming games.

Merino's use of the word "mourning" was picked up by the media, but he explained that it was just a metaphor.

He wants the team to be free from mental challenges and play with a clear mind.

The pressure of playing in the World Cup can be overwhelming, but Merino is confident in his team's abilities.

He knows that the team has the talent and the determination to succeed.

The next game will be a test of their resolve and their ability to bounce back from disappointment.

Mikel Merino and Spain will be looking to make a statement in their next game.

The World Cup is a challenging tournament, but Merino is ready for the task.

He will be leading his team with confidence and determination.

The fans will be watching closely, hoping for a better result in the next game.

Mikel Merino's message is clear: stay calm, focus on the next game, and play with unity and humility.