Marcelo Bielsa cut a frustrated figure after Uruguay’s group-stage exit from the FIFA World Cup on Friday, shouting at a reporter during his post-match press conference before accepting full responsibility for the team’s disappointing campaign.
Uruguay were eliminated after a 1-0 defeat to Spain, having managed only two draws against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia in their previous matches. The two-time world champions finished with just two points despite creating enough chances to win all three games, according to Bielsa.
The Uruguay coach lost his temper during an exchange with a journalist following the defeat but later admitted he was accountable for the team’s early exit.
“We deserved to get seven points and got two,” Bielsa said.
“We failed to achieve an acceptable ratio between taking the chances we created and the relationship between the goals we conceded and the role our opponents played in scoring them, was also poor. They were avoidable goals.
“Journalists and fans of Uruguayan football legitimately want to pin the blame on me. I’m the person responsible and I have to accept it.”
Uruguay’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage suffered another blow when veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera made a costly mistake for Spain’s winning goal. lex Baena’s shot from inside the area slipped through Muslera’s hands in the 42nd minute, leaving Uruguay trailing at the break.
‘MUSLERA ASKED TO LEAVE’
Sergio Rochet replaced Muslera for the second half, with Bielsa revealing that the 40-year-old had asked to be substituted.
“He is the one who decided to leave,” Bielsa said.
Bielsa also explained his decision to replace Federico Valverde with Federico Vias after the hour mark, saying he wanted to add a more physical presence in attack as Uruguay searched for an equaliser.
Muslera endured a difficult tournament, having also been at fault in Uruguay’s draws against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia. He was caught out of position for Cape Verde’s equaliser after a misplaced pass from Mathas Olivera, while against Saudi Arabia he failed to hold on to a header, allowing the rebound to be converted.
The veteran goalkeeper had returned to the national team earlier this year after retiring from international football, a decision that drew criticism from sections of the Uruguayan support. Bielsa, however, stood by his choice to persist with Muslera despite the errors.
“I cannot deny or dispute the assessment of Muslera’s performance but, at the same time, I believe he is a goalkeeper who was coming off a magnificent year and is a player with tremendous personality and character,” Bielsa said.
“I certainly share the assessment you are making, but the decision I took was not to undermine Muslera’s confidence, but rather to maintain it.”
The defeat to Spain brought Uruguay’s campaign to an abrupt end, leaving Bielsa to face mounting scrutiny after the South American side failed to win a single group-stage match.
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