Marcelo Bielsa shouts at a reporter and accepts the blame for Uruguay’s exit from the World Cup
Marcelo Bielsa cut a frustrated figure after Uruguay’s World Cup group stage exit on Friday, shouting at a reporter during his post-match press conference before accepting full responsibility for the team’s disappointing campaign.
Uruguay were eliminated after a 1-0 defeat to Spainwho managed only two draws against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia in their previous matches. The two-time world champions finished with just two points despite creating enough chances to win all three matches, according to Bielsa.
The Uruguayan coach lost his temper during an exchange with a journalist after the defeat, but later admitted he was responsible for the team’s early exit.
“FOR GERIATRIC”
Because for now, after Uruguay’s pathetic elimination from the World Cup, coach Marcelo Bielsa was angry enough to shout at journalists waiting for an interview. pic.twitter.com/9gvYsr9gZr— Final Trend (@TendenciaFinal) June 27, 2026
“We deserved to get seven points and two,” Bielsa said.
“We failed to achieve an acceptable ratio between the use of the chances we created and the ratio between the goals conceded and the role our opponents played in scoring them. They were avoidable goals.
“Journalists and Uruguayan football fans rightly want to blame me. I am the responsible person and I have to accept it.”
Uruguay’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages suffered another blow when veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera made a costly error in Spain’s winning goal. Lex Baena’s shot from inside the box slipped through Musler’s hands in the 42nd minute and Uruguay remained in the break.
“MUSLERA DEMANDED TO BE SENT”
Sergio Rochet replaced Muslera for the second half and Bielsa revealed the 40-year-old had asked to be substituted.
“He is the one who decided to leave,” Bielsa said.
Bielsa also explained his decision to replace Federico Valverde with Federico Vias after the hour, saying he wanted to add more physical presence in attack as Uruguay looked for an equaliser.
Muslera endured a tough tournament, he was also at fault in Uruguay’s draws with Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia. He was caught out of position for Cape Verde’s equalizer after Mathas Olivera’s misplaced pass, while against Saudi Arabia he failed to hold on to a header, allowing the rebound to be converted.
The veteran goalkeeper returned to the national team earlier this year after retiring from international football, a decision that drew criticism from the Uruguayan support. However, Bielsa stood by his decision to stick with Muslera despite the mistakes.
“I cannot deny or dispute the assessment of Musler’s performance, but at the same time I believe he is a goalkeeper who has had a great year and is a player with a huge personality and character,” Bielsa said.
“I certainly share the assessment you make, but the decision I made was not to undermine Musler’s confidence, but rather to maintain it.
Defeat to Spain brought Uruguay’s campaign to an abrupt end and left Bielsa facing increasing scrutiny after the South American side failed to win a single group stage game.
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Published on:
27 Jun 2026 09:15 IST