Bielsa to Remain as Uruguay Coach despite Crushing Defeat, Admits “Toxic” Behaviour
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay – Marcelo Bielsa will continue as head coach of the Uruguay national team despite a recent string of disappointing results, including a jarring 5-1 defeat to the United States’ “secondary” team this Tuesday, officials confirmed Wednesday. Bielsa himself has taken full obligation for the team’s performance, even acknowledging a possibly damaging personal dynamic, stating, “I am toxic and I experience it as karma. That behavior is based on fear.”
The decision comes after an internal meeting of the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) Executive, involving Ignacio Alonso Labat, Matias Perez, and Carlos Manta, where Bielsa’s future was debated. While the loss to the US – and the broader questions surrounding his methods – sparked renewed scrutiny, AUF director of National Teams Jorge Giordano voiced strong support for the Argentine coach. “The result hit us hard. But I see Bielsa with strength to continue, he has a lot of self-criticism. In the face of that pain there is a reasoning, but we have to recompose and continue,” Giordano stated.
Despite a record of 16 wins, 8 draws, and 7 losses in 31 games with the national team, and qualification secured for the 2026 World Cup (currently fourth in qualifying with 28 points, level with Colombia), Bielsa’s tenure has been marked by controversy. accusations of mistreatment of AUF staff following the Copa América United States 2024, and the subsequent resignation of veteran player Luis Suárez, continue to cast a shadow.
Recent international friendlies yielded two wins and a draw before the humbling defeat against the Americans. Following that loss in Florida, Bielsa publicly accepted responsibility, stating, “I feel responsible for all this. I have no feeling of complaint towards anyone and I do have the feeling that what is affected after a performance like today’s is the management that I do of the game, of the players, of the resources. there is no way the best Uruguayan players can lose a game like this against the secondary group of the United States.”
According to Uruguayan newspaper El País, Bielsa relies heavily on Giordano, whom he trusts and supports within the AUF structure.
Bielsa’s willingness to remain hinges on the players’ desire for his continued leadership. He implicitly offered his resignation, stating, “If the players want me to leave, they come and tell me.”