The World Cup is reaching its final stage, with the final group stage matches being played across North America, and while some countries are thriving, one team is said to have started a revolt against their coach.
Uruguay face Spain in Mexico on Saturday morning (Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
Uruguay reportedly rebelled against Marcelo Bielsa hours before a crucial clash with Spain after crashing into the ground at the 2026 World Cup. Qualification for the knockout stages of the tournament could hinge on Saturday morning’s match, with the South American nation sitting second in the Group H standings with two points from as many matches.
Uruguay’s opening match ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia, and their second match against lower-ranked Cape Verde ended 2-2. And now, it is said that some players are starting to pay attention to Bielsa after over-preparation resulted in injuries during training.
GiveMeSport claims that Federico Valverde, Roche, Manuel Ugarte and Rodrigo Bentancur, among others, were unhappy with the intense training sessions organized by the Argentine and called the head coach for a meeting ahead of the upcoming match against the European champions.
It has also been reported that the Uruguay international has urged the former Leeds United manager to make a tactical change for the next game following a series of disappointing results. However, Bielsa reportedly eschewed the idea of playing in a low block against Spain in his own team meeting, insisting they would continue with their current tactics.
El Espectador, meanwhile, reported that the club accused the club of trying to sack players after the decision to leave Luis Suárez and Nahitan Nández out of the squad. The 70-year-old was also said to have mentioned that he coached players such as Maxi Araujo and Sebastian Cáceres during parts of their national team careers.
Speaking publicly about his plans for Uruguay vs. Spain, Bielsa explained at a press conference: “We are approaching tomorrow’s game as a final. One of the best ways to defend is to ensure that the opponent has possession of the ball for a short period of time.”
Regarding Luis de la Fuente, he added: “The type of football he achieved with the Spanish national team is unique and his whole work for Spain is significant, but it definitely doesn’t seem to reflect my own style. It’s a much more beautiful type of football than what I achieved with my team. The truth is, what he achieved with the Spanish national team is worthy of praise.”
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This is not the first time Bielsa has been in the news at this summer’s North American tournament. Earlier this month, the veteran head coach refused to be photographed by the media at the World Cup and was photographed with his head bowed, staring at the floor while a photographer attempted to take a portrait.
Explaining the strange reflection, Bielsa said: “I don’t need to explain. The photo was taken exactly as it was taken. I’m not a model.”
He added: “There’s only so much you have to explain. If I’m wearing glasses, why am I wearing them?”
Marcelo Bielsa appears to have lost his dressing room (Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
“You look into someone’s eyes, why do you do that? There’s nothing wrong with wearing glasses, looking into someone’s eyes, or looking down.”
Uruguay are scheduled to face Spain at the Estadio Guadalajara on Saturday at 1am (British time). Cape Verde are also playing Saudi Arabia in Houston at the same time as Group H enters its final match.
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