This is one of the strongest statements of  Juanjo Gutiérrez  Following the announcement of the Spanish squad for the Doha World Cup, he was asked about a possible reunion of the pair.  Ale Galán / Juan Lebrón The coach did not close the door. Quite the contrary.

When asked whether the two former world number 1 players could play together again for Spain, his answer was very clear:

" Yes of course. "

"It's very likely they'll play together."

Juanjo Gutiérrez went even further, explaining that he hadn't necessarily discussed this possibility directly with the two players yet.

But for him, the logic of selection must take precedence over individual stories.

"I haven't spoken to them about it, but I think they understand and must know it deep down, because they play for Spain, for their country, and the national team is above the players and individuals."

Before uttering a phrase that is bound to cause a stir:

"I don't know which round, but yes, they will play together."

A necessarily unique association

The possibility of seeing again  Lebron and Galan  being on the same side of the track inevitably attracts attention.

The two Spaniards dominated world padel together for several seasons before separating in 2024. Since then, each has taken a different path on the circuit.

Their relationship has also been scrutinized since their separation, with some occasionally tense exchanges when they found themselves on opposing sides.

However, Juanjo Gutiérrez insists that this should not be a problem in the national team.

According to him, both players retain  affection and respect for one another , although certain situations on the track can sometimes give a different impression.

They were already together at the last World Cup

The coach had already tried this tactic during the last World Cup.

Although Galán and Lebrón were no longer partners on the circuit, he had decided to pair them up again under the Spanish colors.

A choice that could therefore be repeated in Doha.

Gutiérrez has also admitted to already having several possible partnerships in mind for the important matches, although the next few weeks of competition and training sessions on site may still change his plans.

A pair that remains a major option

With  Arturo Coello, Ale Galán, Juan Lebrón, Mike Yanguas, Coki Nieto, Paquito Navarro, Jon Sanz and Aimar Goñi Spain has many options for composing its three pairs.

But the prospect of reviewing  Galan / Lebron  remains necessarily unique.

Despite their separation and everything surrounding the end of their association, Juanjo Gutiérrez seems ready to reunite them once again if the situation requires it.

And once again, his message is clear:  In national team selection, Spain comes before individual players. 

Benjamin Dupouy

I discovered padel directly during a tournament, and frankly, I didn't really like it at first. But the second time, it was love at first sight, and since then, I haven't missed a single match. I'm even ready to stay up until 3am to watch a final of Premier Padel !