Varela: Tite nearly cost me Copa América 2024, Bielsa scolded me | OneFootball

Uruguay Coach Marcelo Bielsa Asked Varela to Be More Offensive, Something That Didn’t Happen Under Tite

Guillermo Varela played in the Copa América for the first time last year. However, the Uruguayan almost missed out on Marcelo ‘El Loco’ Bielsa’s call-up list. That’s because the coach was not satisfied with the way the full-back was playing for Flamengo under Tite in 2023 and 2024. The number 2 for the red-and-black team revealed the ‘warning’ he received from the Celeste coach and celebrates a new phase with Filipe Luís.

🔗 Instagram

— I almost missed the Copa América. One of the reasons is that the other coach who was here (at Flamengo, Tite) prioritized defense, he wouldn’t let me go wide to create one-on-one situations for our winger. And Marcelo (Bielsa) told me: “you’re not attacking, and I need full-backs who attack. And if you don’t do what makes me happiest in a full-back, why would you play?” — Varela began.

— That’s what he asked of me. The current coach’s idea (Filipe Luís), who lets me do what I like, I’d much rather attack than defend, that’s how I am and I believe today we’re all happy — added the full-back, in an interview with the Uruguayan Football Federation.

HOW IS VARELA DOING IN HIS OFFENSIVE ROLE?

Varela arrived at Flamengo in 2022. From his debut until last year, the full-back hadn’t provided any assists. In 2025, the scenario changed. In 38 games this season, the Uruguayan has delivered five assists. The latest came on Monday (25), when the Uruguayan delivered a pinpoint cross to the head of Samuel Lino.

WILL VARELA PLAY ON SUNDAY (31)?

With Wesley’s departure to Roma (ITA), Varela has gotten more minutes this year. Flamengo even signed Emerson Royal, but the Uruguayan remains in the starting lineup, and should stay there this Sunday (31). At Maracanã, Mengão will face Grêmio in the 22nd round of the Brasileirão, starting at 4pm (Brasília time), after all.

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