Marcelo Bielsa is well known for not celebrating on the touchline, but when Uruguay beat Colombia in World Cup qualifying, he went for it like never before.
The legendary coach jumped to his feet and pumped his fists while shouting after Manuel Ugarte’s stoppage-time winner ended a five-game winless streak.
Bielsa usually sits tight for big goals, but it’s clear this one meant a lot.
The context around the win is that Uruguay have been in disarray since the summer’s Copa America.
They looked like potential favourites before a shock exit to Canada in the semi-finals was met by violence in the stands which involved both the players and their families.
Since then, Bielsa also had to deal with an attack in the media from the recently retired Luis Suarez, who strongly criticised the coach‘s treatment of senior players and staff members and the national team’s training ground.
Suarez received some support from the likes of Edinson Cavani, and everything was pointing towards his sacking, particularly given the team’s form.
However, Bielsa and Uruguay appear to have turned a corner with the Colombia win, and it puts them on a solid footing as they’re impressively second in CONMEBOL qualifying thanks to a solid start before the recent drama.
Asked why he showed so much emotion after the Colombia win, Bielsa was honest, saying: “For us it was essential to win again.
“Beyond the exciting way in which it happened, it was a very necessary victory.
“Victories like today’s are healing. They bring everyone together around a feeling as strong as the national team in Uruguay.
“The determination that the players put into a victory that seemed impossible after Colombia’s second goal. It was an immense joy.”
Leave a Reply