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

Uruguay's coach, Marcelo Bielsa, asked Varela to be more offensive, something that did not happen with Tite

Guillermo Varela played the Copa America for the first time last year. However, the Uruguayan almost didn't make Marcelo ‘El Loco’ Bielsa's call-up list. This is because the coach was not satisfied with the way the full-back was playing at Flamengo under Tite, in 2023 and 2024. The number 2 for Flamengo revealed the ‘threat’ he received from the Celeste's commander and celebrates his new phase with Filipe Luís.

🔗 Instagram

— I almost missed the Copa America. One of the reasons is that the other coach who was here (at Flamengo, Tite) prioritized defense, he didn't let me go outside, to leave our winger one on one. 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 are you going to play?" —, began Varela.

— That's what he asked me. The idea of today's coach (Filipe Luís), who lets me do what I like, I prefer to attack a thousand times more than to defend, I'm like this and I believe that today we are all happy —, added the full-back, in an interview with the Uruguayan Football Federation.

HOW IS VARELA IN THE OFFENSIVE VERSION?

Varela arrived at Flamengo in 2022. From his debut until last year, the full-back had not given any assists. In 2025, the scenario changed. In 38 games this current season, the Uruguayan has provided five assists for goals. The last one happened on Monday (25), when the Uruguayan made a precise cross to the head of Samuel Lino.

WILL VARELA PLAY ON SUNDAY (31)?

With Wesley's departure to Roma (ITA), Varela has been getting more minutes this year. Flamengo even signed Emerson Royal, but the Uruguayan remains in the starting line-up, and should remain so this Sunday (31). At Maracanã, Mengão faces Grêmio, for 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.