World Cup 2026: Where did it gone wrong for Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay?

Winger Agustin Canobbio, who was sent off after Spain’s defeat, had previously had a violent argument with Bielsa and said the breaking point was when he criticized the coach’s sitting style.

Following the United States’ beating, Bielsa spoke openly about his difficulties in dealing with people and described himself as a “toxic perfectionist”.

This raises the possibility that his familiar mix of aloof eccentricity will be less effective on modern players seeking a stronger personal bond with their coaches.

Bielsa himself stated – in typically thoughtful style – that despite all the advances in sports science, enthusiasm is more important than preparation for a team to act as a whole. For whatever reason, he has not been able to adequately instill this quality in the last two years.

From time to time, it became clear that he could not keep up with the modern game. He criticized the hydration breaks, a classic Bielsa-ese part of the tournament, saying they “interfered with the culturally constructed understanding of interpreting football. They added nothing…”

He also refused to participate in an official World Cup photo shoot. “I’m not a model,” she said as she looked at the ground after her photo was taken.

Bielsa was always going to resign after this tournament, but that prospect failed to bring renewed energy to the dressing room.

Uruguay, a country whose influence on global football is huge compared to its modest population of 3.4 million, will return.

As far as Bielsa is concerned, one of football’s most intriguing managerial careers may be over.