“That kills you”: Varela on Uruguay’s rift with Bielsa for 2026 | OneFootball

The experienced defender analyzed the current situation of La Celeste, delved into the recent internal issues with El Loco, and detailed how the tensions affected the World Cup preparations.

Amid the debates surrounding the Uruguayan national team, a key figure like Guillermo Varela provided clarity on the origin of the conflict that emerged during Marcelo Bielsa’s tenure. The seasoned defender reflected on how the squad experienced the most turbulent stage of the process, just as preparations for the 2026 World Cup were entering their decisive phase.

The full-back analyzed the team’s current sporting situation and the external perspective on the results. In his view, the recent performances did not reflect La Celeste’s true potential, something he hopes to turn around. “Football-wise, Uruguay was not going through a good moment. But I have no doubt that we’ll get through it thanks to the quality of players we have.”

He continued during an interview with La Mañana del Fútbol on El Espectador Deportes: “That talk about adding a liaison with the squad and everything that’s been said—I didn’t focus much on it. I was waiting for the draw to see who we’d face. From now on, we have to improve.”

As he delved into the internal dynamics, the former Peñarol player praised El Loco’s meticulousness and the coordinated work within the Uruguayan camp: “I have no doubts about what’s being done in the national team, it’s incredible in terms of preparation, and I have no doubt we’ll improve because everyone works very hard. I know how many hours are dedicated to training and game plans.”

Asked about the exact moment when the break between the group and Bielsa occurred, the recent Copa Libertadores champion with Flamengo was clear: “It was when players started speaking out, the atmosphere that was created, the impact it had. From there, maybe, the team dropped off because of everything that was said. Mentally, that kills you. Whether you like it or not, you try to push forward, but there are little things that take your focus away. Luckily, we managed to overcome it despite the many absences the team had, like after the Copa América due to the incidents after the match. There were several things that happened there, but that’s over now.”

Far from fueling rumors about a possible rejection of the coach, the full-back was emphatic and stressed that the internal relationship remains strong: “No one said they didn’t want Bielsa inside the group. On the contrary, we’re all with Marcelo just as he has supported us at other times. The problem is a footballing one. Maybe the things we’ve already experienced, the talk about us being in a bad place in terms of team spirit, that was before. From then on, it’s all been positive, there’s been a big change. We have to speak honestly. The problem right now is football, not coexistence.”

Looking ahead to the World Cup, Varela analyzed the Group H opponents. He believes that with specific adjustments, Uruguay can regain its historic strength, even against teams that have recently improved: “It’s a different Saudi Arabia from the 2018 World Cup in Russia, they’re better prepared now, although that match was tough for us. Spain is a powerhouse to win the World Cup. But if we make the adjustments we need to in Uruguay, I think we won’t have trouble advancing.”

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