Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa has held a two-hour press conference the day after his country’s 5-1 defeat to the USA.
Bielsa has already booked a spot at the 2026 World Cup, but La Nacion say the ‘unexpected’ press conference was to address the negativity around the result.
The iconic coach has had some decent results with the country, but has always faced criticism, including from the great Luis Suarez who said he retired because of the manager.
Speaking a day on from his heaviest defeat yet, albeit in a friendly, he said: “My initial inclination to request a press conference was that after losing 5-1, concern arises, and I need to explain.
“But after the first question I was asked at the conference, which used the words ‘disaster’ and ‘we were tearing each other apart’ – I had never heard such aggressive language – it was clear I had to address the consequences of this defeat.
“I have to face it and submit to the questions the public is asking. It became clear to me that I had to take responsibility and deal with the situation ,” the Argentine stated.
He continued: “Rumours are circulating, but there’s also evidence to support what’s being said.
“In my case, I have contact with the players, so I can’t rely on rumours. One thing is clear: what gets spread is never good ; it’s driven by self-interest because it’s so appealing.
“Those with vested interests create the right atmosphere and cause things to stumble. If the players want me to leave, they’ll come and tell me, which is why I can’t go by rumours.
“Their relationship with the coach is about giving them everything: support, energy, effort, convictions, but ‘make me win.’ It’s a demand that any member of a team makes of a leader, and it’s fair.”
On the US game, he added: “Losing 5-1, of course, is not something that can be ignored. I feel ashamed by results like this.
“What one does is analyse the situation personally and then share the questions that arise to explain such a negative performance with Jorge [Giordano, FA director], and what he has to say has the added benefit of his specific professional knowledge. The president has concerns, and I address them.”
Asked about his age he said: “I have the same strength to continue. If there was a time when I considered that, it wasn’t now.
“I’m a terrible actor and a really bad clown. Homenchenko [Santiago, a player] says I’m an old man, but I’m not. And the players realise it. ‘What an act that old man is putting on,’ they say.”
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