Shouldnt it be “The spaniards” instead of “The Spanish”? or also “The spanish people”

Spanish is an adjective and a noun, as a noun it refers to the language originated in Spain, and to the people of Spain when followed by a plural verb. Spaniard is also a noun, used as a demonym for individuals from Spain.

Now, many people in Spain don't like the word Spaniard. Apparently that's because of the suffix -ard This suffix adds a pejorative meaning in both french and english. Some examples in english are: drunkard, dullard, coward. The word "Spaniard" is getting obsolete, but many anglophones still use it instead of "Spanish" when talking about the people of Spain.