We’re all in this (almost) together! Unpopular Spain manager Jorge Vilda cuts an awkward figure on the edge of a squad selfie before the World Cup final after he survived a player revolt

With the Women’s World Cup final fast approaching, Jorge Vilda remains a highly divisive figure within the Spain camp.

The former Barcelona youth player took charge of the national team in 2015 following stints coaching La Roja at youth levels, and has enjoyed a broadly successful spell thus far.

Since his appointment, the 42-year-old has led his side to success in the Algarve Cup and Cyprus Cup, and was at the helm as the breezed to World Cup qualification, winning all eight of their qualifiers without conceding a single goal.

However, despite his remarkable successes, Vilda’s polarising reputation has only increased throughout his tenure, even among his own players.

With their first World Cup final just days away, Vilda’s awkward standing among his players was exemplified in a selfie taken from the Spain training camp in Lilyfield on Friday.

The 42-year-old managed a half smile as his team prepare for the biggest game of their careers

Vilda (middle) has emerged as a polarising figure within his squad for his often unpopular methods

While the players huddle together in celebration as they prepare for the biggest game of their careers, Vilda stands off to the side managing little more than a half smile.

The divide between Vilda and members of his team was clear during Spain’s dramatic semi-final victory over Sweden on Tuesday.

After Alexia Putellas was substituted at the hour mark with the game goalless, the Barcelona star swatted away her manager’s attempt at a handshake as she returned to the bench.

Vilda’s precarious position as the side’s manager looked to have reached breaking point last year after his side were dumped out of the Euros by eventual winners England.

Senior members of the team approached the Spanish FA to request that Vilda be removed from his position citing a lack of technical preparation and inadequate training but their request was ultimately refused by president Luis Rubiales.

This discontent over Vilda’s methods has only increased since the initial fracture, and the Spain boss remains very much unpopular among his own team, in stark contrast to Sarina Wiegman and her England squad.