Marcelo Bielsa explains Real Madrid star Fede Valverde’s early substitution vs Spain | OneFootball

Uruguay national team head coach Marcelo Bielsa has provided an insight into the reasoning behind his decision to haul off Federico Valverde early in the country’s latest outing.

This of course comes fresh off the Celeste being sent packing from the World Cup with little more than a whimper.

Uruguay were back in action early on Saturday, locking horns with European champions Spain in a group stage clash.

When all was said and done, it was the latter who emerged triumphant, thanking Álex Baena’s first-half strike for an eventual 1-0 triumph.

Federico Valverde featured from the off in Guadalajara, leading his country out for the decisive fixture.

Despite being widely considered Uruguay’s very best player, however, the Real Madrid man was hooked from proceedings just 10 minutes into the 2nd-half.

Speaking to the media post-match, the subject of Valverde’s withdrawal was therefore put to manager Marcelo Bielsa. And the Argentine tactician went on to explain:

“I subbed off Fede Valverde as I wanted more presence in attack.”

Conor Laird – GSFN