"That kills you": Varela on Uruguay's rift with Bielsa before 2026 | OneFootball

The experienced defender analyzed the current state of the Celeste, delved into the recent internal issues with the Loco, and detailed how the tensions impacted the World Cup preparation.

Amid the debates surrounding the Uruguay national team, a figure like Guillermo Varela provided clarity on the origin of the conflict that emerged around Marcelo Bielsa's cycle. The seasoned defender reviewed how the squad experienced the most turbulent phase of the process, just as the preparation for the 2026 World Cup entered its decisive phase.

The full-back analyzed the team's current sporting situation and the external view on the results. According to his perspective, the recent performance did not reflect the true potential of the Celeste, something he hopes to change. "Football-wise, Uruguay was not going through a good moment. But I have no doubt that we will overcome it with the quality of players we have."

He continued during an interview with La Mañana del Fútbol of El Espectador Deportes: "I didn't focus much on adding a link with the squad and what has been said. I was waiting for the draw to see who we would face. From now on, we have to improve."

As he advanced on the internal dynamics, the former Peñarol player appreciated the meticulousness of the Loco and the coordinated work within the Charrúa complex: "I have no doubts about what is being done in the national team, it's a beast in terms of preparing things and I have no doubts that we will improve because everyone works a lot. I know the hours dedicated to training and game plans."

Asked about the exact point where the break between the group and Bielsa occurred, the recent Copa Libertadores champion with Flamengo was blunt: "It was when players came out to say things, the atmosphere that was created, the impact it had. From there, perhaps, the team fell back because of everything that was said. Mentally, that kills you. Whether you like it or not, you push forward, and there are little things that take you off focus. Luckily, we managed to overcome it with many absences the team had, like after the Copa América due to the problem - the incidents - after the match. Several things happened there, but it's over now."

Far from fueling rumors of a possible rejection of the coach, the full-back was adamant and emphasized that the internal bond remains strong: "No one said they didn't want Bielsa internally. On the contrary, we are all with Marcelo as he has supported us at other times. The problem is a football-related issue. Perhaps the things we've already experienced, the talk that we were in a bad moment in terms of coexistence, was before. From then on, it was all gain, there was a big change. We have to speak and say things as they are. The problem at this moment is football-related and not about coexistence."

Looking ahead to the World Cup, Varela analyzed the rivals in Group H. He considered that, with specific adjustments, Uruguay can regain its historical strength, even against teams with recent growth: "It's a different Saudi Arabia from the 2018 World Cup in Russia, it's more prepared than before, although that match was difficult for us. Spain is a powerhouse to win the World Cup. But by adjusting what we need to adjust in Uruguay, I believe we wouldn't have difficulties advancing."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.