Marcelo Bielsa says 'I'm not a model' after World Cup photo questions | OneFootball

Marcelo Bielsa pushed back at questions over his official FIFA World Cup photo after Uruguay drew 1-1 with Saudi Arabia in Miami, declaring, "I'm not a model".

FIFA said in a statement that an airline permitting error in Mexico delayed Uruguay’s departure from Cancun to Miami, adding that the airline apologised and that it worked with partners to expedite the trip and minimise disruption.

At Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Uruguay dominated but fell behind to Abdulelah Al-Amri’s first-half finish, before Maximiliano Araujo equalised on 80 minutes to salvage a point.

Before kick-off, video of Bielsa’s pre-match portrait circulated widely online. Players and coaches often play up to the cameras, but the Uruguay boss looked down without moving, and the clip went viral. After the match he was asked if it was a form of protest, a line of questioning that irritated him.

He insisted he owed no explanation and that the picture was taken as it was. He described himself as "not a model" and wondered whether he should also have to justify not looking at those speaking in the news conference.

Bielsa added that some situations do not need to be explained, said there is no obligation to behave like models, and maintained he had done nothing wrong.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk