Uruguay coach clears the air with Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde: ‘I never had any problems’ | OneFootball

The Uruguay national team is one of the sides that disappointed the most at the ongoing FIFA World Cup as they were eliminated in the group stages against all expectations.

Marcelo Bielsa’s men drew two and lost one of their three group stage games, scoring three and conceding four goals at the event.

In the days leading up to their final game against Spain, there was already palpable internal tension and news of a rift between the manager and the players.

Federico Valverde is said to have led a rebellion against the manager’s methods, and Bielsa has now stepped down as coach of the NT in light of the developments.

Bielsa explains his relationship with Valverde

The recent Uruguay NT manager Marcelo Bielsa spoke to the media in the aftermath of his team’s shocking group stage elimination.

Among the many topics he addressed was Real Madrid’s captain, Federico Valverde.

Valverde led a rebellion against the manager. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Bielsa was full of praise for the midfield star and even called it one of his ‘dreams’ to have coached the player.

“When I joined Uruguay, I dreamed of coaching Fede Valverde,” he said.

He then cleared the air of any misunderstanding or rift with the player and explained how Valverde was one of the easiest players to work with.

“I never had any problems with Valverde.”

“I’ve never made more concessions than I did for Valverde, because he deserves it,” he added.

On the player’s versatility

The manager then went on to praise Valverde for his versatility and open-mindedness as much as he praised his humility, stating that the player was ready to play anywhere on the field as long as it helped the team.

Valverde has always been a versatile player. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

“I told Valverde that I might play him as an RB, and I listed 5 LW’s he was able to stop with Real Madrid,” he began.

“I also told him he might play as an RW, or in his main position as a midfielder,” he added.

Bielsa finally repeated the words that Valverde told him when faced with the situation of uncertainty around his role in the team.

“His response was: ‘Play me wherever the team needs coach’.”

Source: Diario AS