Marcelo Bielsa, football’s Sisyphus between conviction, criticism and a must-win against Spain | OneFootball

Marcelo Bielsa’s anti-commercial stance has framed Uruguay’s stuttering start, and they now need to beat Spain to be sure of advancing. El Periódico Mediterráneo reports that his squad are based in Mexico, entering the United States only on matchdays.

In Rosario, the famed El Cairo café is fixated on Bielsa at this World Cup. He is seen as the leading influence among Santa Fe coaches, including Sebastián Beccacece, Gustavo Alfaro, Mauricio Pochettino, Lionel Scaloni and Néstor Lorenzo.

True to his convictions, Bielsa has railed against what he sees as football’s commercial circus. Uruguay have stayed in Playa del Carmen, flying in only to play, and he declined a cheerful pose at FIFA’s shoot. He also objects to hydration breaks and to pitches in venues he deems ill-suited.

Results have been flat, a 1-1 draw with Arabia then 2-2 against Cape Verde in Miami, and criticism has been fierce at home and sharper still in Argentina. A Uruguayan newspaper described a descent into sporting misery, while some Argentine voices slipped into insults.

After the Cape Verde draw, the 70-year-old admitted his side were disorganised and said Uruguay must prove their superiority on the pitch. He accepted responsibility for taking only two points and said they must face Spain with the obligation to win, calling it a gigantic test they can approach with ambition.

His methods have yet to bed in for a Uruguay missing leaders like Forlán, Suárez and Cavani, and the Poor Clares of Getxo will pray for him.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo