Marcelo Bielsa's outrageous interview as he brutally embarrasses his own player at World Cup — Leeds Live 27/6/26

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Mark Whiley Sports Reporter

Marcelo Bielsa lost his cool in a post-match interview after brutally hooking off a Uruguay legend during the country's humiliating World Cup exit.

After draws with Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde, Uruguay needed to at least avoid defeat against Spain to have a chance of going through to the knockout stage.

A desperate tournament for the South Americans went from bad to worse in the 42nd minute when a tame effort from Alex Baena slipped through the grasp of iconic keeper Fernando Muslera, the 40-year-old who came out of retirement ahead of the tournament at Bielsa's request.

However, Muslera probably wishes he hadn't answered the former Leeds United manager's plea as he faced the ignominy of being taken off at half-time. Bielsa also took off Federico Valverde in the second half and Uruguay couldn't find a leveller as they limped out of the tournament with just two points.

After the match, as he waited to conduct his post-match interview, Bielsa was caught shouting in frustration, urging production staff to get on with the interview. After a series of short answers, he was asked he had spoken to Muslera about subbing him, to which he replied: "Nothing."

He later insisted it was Muslera's decision to come off, saying: "Muslera decided to come off at half-time. The decision I took was not to undermine Muslera's confidence, but rather to maintain it."

ITV pundit Gary Neville called the decision "brutal" and said Bielsa had "decided to take everything down with him on the way out". Ange Postecoglou added that the lack of unity in the Uruguay camp was clear to see.

Bielsa later took "responsible for this disappointment" and explained: "Obviously, I don't need to define this performance... if you ask me how my time [with the national team] will be remembered, it is a tenure that left nothing behind.

"I leave nothing to Uruguayan football, because any contribution I might make to a country where I have worked for three years fails to take root if results aren't achieved."

This World Cup could signal the end of the 70-year-old's legendary managerial career. The Argentine has cut a frustrated figure throughout the tournament and refused to take part in the pre-tournament photoshoot.

"I'm not a model," he said after his picture was taken as he stared at the floor.

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