Marcelo Bielsa explains goalkeeper change and shows irritation after Uruguay’s elimination
The Uruguayan team’s early exit from the World Cup, after being beaten 1-0 by Spain, had coach Marcelo Bielsa and goalkeeper Fernando Muslera as central figures. The forty-year-old archer with extensive experience in World Cups, made a mistake on a weak shot from Baena in the first half, resulting in his replacement by Rochet at halftime.
Marcelo Bielsa expresses irritation at a press conference after the Uruguayan crash
After the game, the coach of the Uruguayan team was asked to clarify the unusual change of goalkeeper. On the lawn of the Guadalajara stadium, before giving the official interview to FIFA, he demonstrated impatience with the press, uttering the phrase: “Let’s get on with it!”
Later, asked if he had had any conversations with Muslera about the half-time change, Bielsa replied tersely: “Nothing.”
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At a later point, during the official press conference, the coach delved deeper into the topic, revealing that Muslera’s replacement was a request from the athlete himself. Bielsa also defended the stay and performance of the goalkeeper, who was participating in his fifth World Cup, being his fourth as a starter for the team.
“The decision to select Muslera was the result of a lot of reflection,” said the coach. “I carried out all the analyzes I considered essential. I cannot ignore or debate Muslera’s performance. However, I am also convinced that he is a goalkeeper who had a splendid year, a player with enormous personality and character. That is my perception.”
This marks the second time in a row that Uruguay has been eliminated in the group stage of the World Cup. The current campaign, however, is even less impressive than the World Cup in Qatar, which took place four years ago, where the team won four points. In this edition, the country ends its participation without victories, registering only two draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde.
