Marcelo Bielsa fumes in curt interview after Muslera half-time hook as Uruguay crash out | OneFootball

Marcelo Bielsa cut an angry and forlorn figure after Uruguay’s World Cup exit, his post-match interview laying bare his frustration.

According to Leeds Live, after draws with Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde, Uruguay needed at least to avoid defeat against Spain to keep knockout hopes alive. In the 42nd minute, Alex Baena’s tame effort slipped through Fernando Muslera’s grasp, the 40-year-old goalkeeper who had returned from retirement at Bielsa’s request.

Muslera was substituted at half-time. Bielsa later replaced Federico Valverde in the second half. Uruguay could not find an equaliser and departed with two points.

As he waited to go on air, Bielsa was heard shouting at production staff to start the interview. He then gave terse answers and, when asked if he had spoken to Muslera about the change, replied: "Nothing."

He said it had been Muslera’s decision to come off, adding: "Muslera decided to come off at half-time. The decision I took was not to undermine Muslera’s confidence, but rather to maintain it."

Bielsa accepted responsibility for the disappointment and reflected that, without results, his work would leave nothing behind. He also declined the pre-tournament photoshoot, saying he was not a model. This World Cup could signal the end of the 70-year-old’s managerial career.

Source: Leeds Live