To make matters worse, the press in Uruguay seems to have sided with Suarez, with some demanding Bielsa be fired from his position. In the last few months, even prior to the Copa América, many longtime Uruguay staff members were let go by Bielsa. This has not sat well with the establishment, who have criticized the manager for this and the treatment of national team heroes Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.

Leaving no stone unturned, Suarez admitted that he tried to talk to the manager about the situation, but Bielsa simply told the Uruguay legend, “thank you.” Since the bombshell, no other player currently on the squad has come forward, nor has the AUF (Uruguayan Soccer Federation) said anything on the matter. Bielsa does not speak to the press outside of a press conference environment, and it is unclear if he will hold a press conference to address these issues.

What did Luis Suarez say about Marcelo Bielsa?

Issues during the Copa América 2024

“During the Copa América, there were situations that hurt me, which I didn’t speak about for the sake of maintaining harmony (within the group).”

At one point during the tournament, Agustín Canobbio was “removed” from the first team—“I support Canobbio in what happened. Bielsa made him do exercises with the players who were there as sparring partners for several days. That’s a complete lack of respect.”

“A lot of players held a meeting to ask the coach to at least greet us with a good morning because he wouldn’t even say hello.”

“Bielsa holds a press conference and says wonderful things about the people, yet there was one day in New York when he asked us not to stop and greet the fans. I stood up and told him we were going to greet the fans regardless.”

“I had a five-minute conversation with Bielsa as a team leader, and when we finished, he just replied, ‘thank you very much.’”

Issues with staff in Uruguay’s national team complex

“At the Celeste Complex, the staff aren’t allowed to come in, greet us, or eat with us. They even have to be careful which door they use to enter. It breaks my heart that this is how things are today at the Complex.”

(Context: During the era of Óscar Tabárez, the complex was a family atmosphere, where the players were obligated to say hi to staff members, and where staff members even had direct input on certain issues. Since the arrival of Bielsa, that has stopped.)

Matías Vecino’s retirement from the national team

“Matías Vecino was the first to see it coming. No one questions why a guy like Vecino, at 30 years old, suddenly left from one day to the next?”

“In the future, I ask the fans not to blame the players if things go wrong. Bielsa has isolated the entire group, even with the way he trains.”

What will Marcelo Bielsa do amid allegations?

There are two sides to every story. Suarez also stated that “many” players were not happy under the current regimen and that they have considered leaving the national team.

Bielsa’s record with Uruguay stands at 11-3-3. His accomplishments so far include beating Brazil and Argentina back-to-back in the same week during World Cup qualifying, finishing third in the Copa América after beating Brazil and host United States, and changing drastically the style of play of Uruguay from a conservative counter-attacking team to a progressive attacking unit.

Under Bielsa, Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez tripled his output with the national team in terms of goals scored, he discovered Maximiliano Araújo, and got a new lease on life from Nahitan Nández.

Bielsa has a contract with AUF until the 2026 FIFA World Cup; he earns $4 million annually. Firing him would mean the AUF would need to pay a huge clause. Bielsa has also not been shy in the past about resigning from a position if certain aspects were not met, as he did with Lazio.

According to Uruguayan journalist Julio Rios aside of the internal issues with the team, the other major factor that Bielsa is a “problem” is his $4M a year deal, and the fact that AUF is practically broke and can’t pay his contract.

Given his poor relationship with the press and public opinion split down the middle between himself and Luis Suarez, it remains to be seen whether Bielsa will cut his losses, as Suarez has indicated that more than one of the current players on the squad are not happy with the coach.

Uruguay is set to play the October window of World Cup qualifying away against Peru and at home against Ecuador, now under a huge storm cloud.

According to an ESPN report, Pochettino will earn $6 million annually for his work with US Soccer, automatically positioning him first. At Chelsea, Pochettino earned between $13 and $14 million.

While a pay cut for Pochettino, $6 million is still a huge salary when one considers the amount of work he will have with a national team. Here is how Mauricio Pochettino’s salary matches up with the salaries of many national team managers around the world.

Mauricio Pochettino’s Salary Compared to Other Coaches

Mauricio Pochettino’s $6 million salary surpasses that of Marcelo Bielsa, coach of Uruguay, who earns $4 million. Brazil’s often criticized manager, Dorival Junior, makes the same amount as Bielsa.

Lionel Scaloni, the World Cup-winning coach, earns $2.6 million as the national team manager of Argentina. Ricardo Gareca, now with Chile, earns approximately $3.7 million.

France’s Didier Deschamps is at $4.1 million, while Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann is at $5.2 million. Roberto Martínez of Portugal, and once a USMNT candidate, is at $4.4 million.

If compared to what managers are making in Europe, Mauricio Pochettino would be the highest-paid manager in Europe as well. Roberto Mancini of Saudi Arabia makes an extraordinary $25 million to coach the Saudi national team.

La Celeste will host Paraguay on September 6th and visit Venezuela on September 10th. Uruguay is currently second in the qualification standings and has started very well under Bielsa, defeating Brazil and Argentina along the way.

For Luis Suarez, his 69 goals for Uruguay make him the country’s all-time leading scorer. According to reports from Uruguay, Bielsa has reserved him for these two matches.

Luis Suarez with Uruguay

While not officially making the roster, Suarez being reserved is a strong indication that he will be with Uruguay, who could still use the striker’s scoring touch.

Suarez last scored for Uruguay in the Copa America third-place match against Canada in a 2-2 draw, which La Celeste won on penalty kicks. It marked the first time Uruguay had finished among the top 4 of the tournament since winning it in 2011.

Eyewitness accounts and online videos depicted Colombian fans harassing family members of Uruguayan players, who were inexplicably seated among rival supporters. In response, several Uruguayan players rushed into the stands and clashed violently with the Colombian supporters.

As a result, Conmebol launched an investigation into 11 Uruguayan players. Bielsa doubled down on his criticisms during the press conference, accusing Conmebol of infrastructural negligence and inadequate safety, training, and field protocols.

Marcelo Bielsa added to list of possible Uruguay sanctions

Conmebol has now included Marcelo Bielsa in the list of individuals under investigation for potential sanctions against Uruguay. In his impassioned address, Bielsa expressed displeasure at the looming sanctions and frustration at being deemed offenders when he believes they were victims of poor security arrangements during the match.

Following his remarks, Conmebol initiated another investigation on AUF and into the Argentine coach. Ariel Rek, already handling the players’ case, will oversee this investigation as well.

Sanctions against the Uruguayan players and Bielsa could be announced as early as next week. The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) continues their defense of the players’ actions and now faces the task of mounting a defense for Bielsa.

If imposed, these sanctions could affect Uruguay’s upcoming World Cup qualifying matches later this year.

First, Bielsa spoke about the incident between his players and Colombian fans as Uruguayan national team players jumped into the stands and fought with Colombian supporters who were harassing their families, then Bielsa spoke about the poor playing fields and how CONMEBOL had requested the coaches to “say nothing” out of fear of sanctions.

Then Bielsa spoke about certain journalists who usually side “with those in power” to construct a narrative. Here are some of the major quotes from an out of control Bielsa.

Marcelo Bielsa loses it in press conference

On the possible sanctions to his players: “The other day, I made a point that the media should not question anyone when they have clear evidence to draw conclusions on their own. The reason that triggers a reaction is part of the interpretation being made of the reaction being evaluated. How can they ask me that when the only logic prevailing is that there were mothers with babies in their arms, women, sisters, mothers, attacked by spectators; the protection of the spectator has nothing to do with the spectacle?! What they should be asking me is whether the players have received an apology for not safeguarding their families. How could I fear a sanction that is impossible to happen because families were not well protected! The only thing I can say is that the players reacted like any human being. When you see there is a disproportionate act or a violent reaction, the first thing to consider is what prompted the reaction. All that matters to me is that there should be a procedure in place so that when someone sees their mother, wife, or baby being attacked, there is a way to prevent it. Do I have to be the one talking about this topic?!“

On FIFAGate: “This couldn’t be clearer. In the United States, when they felt their interests (FIFA giving the 2022 World Cup to Qatar over USA) were under attack, they created the FIFAgate. Here, nothing happened; it was an extraordinary celebration with stadiums full. There’s nothing to complain about. But we can’t hold a press conference just to say that the playing fields are not fine. Where has there been any evidence to claim that the players were forced to do this? And now we have to be afraid they might impose sanctions? The last thing we need is for them to impose sanctions. This is a witch hunt. It’s all shameful in a country that, as the organizer, has responsibilities, but I’m sure they haven’t lied (about the situation of stadiums and security)”.

On Journalist who often sell a narrative: During the press conference Bielsa had words with Uruguayan reporter Rodrigo Romano, Bielsa was visibly angry when Romano left the press conference, Bielsa took it as “acting for the cameras”: “Journalism responds to interests and caters to what is convenient, to power. There’s a portion of journalism that is fair and another portion that is bought, catering to the interests influenced by power, which prompts money. Since I’m not stupid, the first thing I said is that I don’t know in what proportion, but there is a percentage of journalism that doesn’t say what it should and another that says what it shouldn’t”.

On possible acts of vengeance by Conmebol: “I am very afraid of sporting reprisals. They always threaten us in terms of sports. The messages they sent us: we couldn’t defend their families and we can’t allow them to escape, so what kind of sanction are they talking about? What needs to be said is how long it will take for them to apologize. How am I supposed to address this topic based on the question? I want you to put yourselves in my place. We are being threatened. So I’m tired now. Holding press conferences to say the fields are perfect when they are not. This is a plague of liars. Scaloni spoke once and they told him not to speak again. The players cannot speak. Everyone is threatened. And the unions do not close ranks. They are all mistakes. The Americans made a mess with the training grounds. And Bolivia didn’t train. Of course, it’s Bolivia. And then the penalty that wasn’t called against Brazil. You already know everything that this is, man…”

Bielsa’s tactical approach is characterized by high-intensity pressing, fluid attacking movements, and meticulous preparation. He is known for his exhaustive analysis of opponents, often studying hours of footage to devise strategies that maximize his team’s strengths. This attention to detail and insistence on proactive, expansive football has influenced a generation of coaches, including Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino, who have publicly acknowledged Bielsa’s impact on their own coaching philosophies.

Marcelo Bielsa’s legacy extends beyond his achievements on the pitch; he is celebrated for his passion for football as a vehicle for personal and collective improvement. Here are 11 quotes from one of soccer’s most brilliant minds.

Marcelo Bielsa in quotes

“I am a very rejected person in my country. When I explain something, they say I’m selling smoke, that’s why I feel embarrassed to explain what I think.”

“Coaches can commit two sins: making players who can fly walk, or expecting those who can only walk to fly.”

“A person is a madman until his ideas triumph”.

“It’s hard to accept injustice, boys. I know that nothing can calm you now, because you gave everything for the game, you deserved it, and you didn’t achieve it. Even though it seems impossible, don’t complain about anything. Swallow the poison. Strengthen yourselves because playing like this, you will get what you deserve. Congratulations, boys! To everyone, everyone!”

“I know that support is only given by triumph. Almost all coaches are losers, and that’s why we are so lonely.”

“The only way I understand football is constant pressure, playing in the opponent’s half, and ball possession. I am obsessed with attacking. I watch videos to attack, not to defend. Do you know what my defensive job is? We all run.”

“There’s no need to justify or demonize. We must become aware and implement change. We need self-criticism to improve.”

“Success is distorting, relaxing, deceiving; it makes us worse, it helps us fall excessively in love with ourselves; failure is the opposite, it is formative, it makes us solid, it brings us closer to convictions, it makes us coherent. While we compete to win, and I work in what I do because I want to win when I compete, if I didn’t distinguish what is truly formative and what is secondary, I would be mistaken.”

“I am very respectful and an admirer of dribbling. Moreover, I consider that two dribbles together change the content of a match, it clears it, oxygenates it, makes it healthier.”

“I was never tempted by compliments. Compliments in football are utterly hypocritical.”

“Success and happiness do not function as synonyms; there are successful people who are not happy, and there are people who do not need success to be happy. Every human being’s obligation is to capitalize on their options to be happy.”

The reason why Bielsa will not be on the bench against USA for the last game of the group stage is due to the delays his team had when returning to the field after halftime against Panama and Bolivia.

CONMEBOL had previously issued a warning following the delayed second-half start against Panama. The situation repeated itself against Bolivia, with Uruguay taking an additional minute and a half to re-enter the field, resulting in Bielsa’s suspension.

Who will replace Bielsa as Uruguay’s coach?

Pablo Quiroga is Marcelo Bielsa’s assistant coach and will replace the Argentinean to lead Uruguay in the last group stage match against the USA. He will also give the pre-match press conference since, according to CONMEBOL regulations, on the day of the match, the suspended coach will not be allowed to have any contact with any member of the squad.

Quiroga, a long-time collaborator with Bielsa, has extensive experience working alongside the Argentine coach. He started as a video analyst during Bielsa’s tenure with the Chilean National Team and continued with him through his successful stint at Leeds United, where they achieved promotion to the Premier League.

In short, despite a positive start that saw the USMNT have a goal disallowed for a Tim Ream offside, a controversial Tim Weah red card in the 18th minute left the team tactically unbalanced and vulnerable to Panamanian pressure.

Nonetheless, the USMNT took the lead with a Folarin Balogun goal in the 22nd minute, but they couldn’t maintain their advantage and were ultimately defeated by a Panama side that applied relentless pressure, physicality, and aggression, leaving them needing a victory against Uruguay to advance to the Copa America quarterfinals.

What to Do Against Uruguay

While the USMNT’s Copa America hopes were crumbling in Atlanta, Uruguay cruised to a 5-0 victory over Bolivia in New Jersey. Once again, Uruguay applied early pressure, scored quickly, dropped off in the second half, and finished strongly with three goals in the last 20 minutes.

Marcelo Bielsa utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Uruguay’s wing play posing significant challenges for Bolivia early on. Berhalter typically opts for a 4-3-3 formation, which against Uruguay would be more of a match for match, punch for punch approach, something that doesn’t seem would favor the US.

To counter this, it would be prudent for Berhalter to adopt more of a 4-5-1 approach, focusing on solid defensive structure in midfield to retain possession and execute quick outlet passes to Pulisic or Gio Reyna.

Balogun’s impressive performance as striker against Panama raises the key question of whether he can replicate it against a more experienced Uruguay side boasting some of the world’s top defenders.

Under Bielsa, Uruguay has transitioned from a methodical buildup to an explosive attacking force, maintaining their attacking shape even against formidable opponents like Brazil and Argentina in World Cup qualifying, where they secured victories by exploiting vulnerabilities in both.

Acknowledging the USMNT’s lack of quality central defenders and the likely unavailability of Tyler Adams for a full 90 minutes, reverting to a compact defensive approach, retaining possession, and focusing on counterattacks would be wise.

Such a strategy would necessitate Berhalter shelving his usual “free-flowing, attacking soccer,” a style the USMNT rarely executes effectively. However, given the stakes for his job and the credibility of the USMNT, adjusting tactics is advisable.

Lineup Against Uruguay

While details regarding Matt Turner’s availability remain unclear, signs point to Ethan Horvath starting in goal. The four-man backline of Scally, Richards, Ream, and Robinson should remain unchanged.

The midfield should feature Giovanni Reyna on the right wing, Weston McKennie, Johnny Cardoso, Yunus Musah, and Christian Pulisic on the left wing.

Up top, Folarin Balogun should retain his place due to recent form and improved hold-up play.

Scenarios for the USMNT

The outlook appears bleak for the USMNT to defeat Uruguay by more than two goals. Nevertheless, to reach the Copa América quarterfinals, the USMNT needs:

A result against Uruguay in the final group-stage match that matches or surpasses Panama’s result against Bolivia.

Here are the implications under different scenarios:

If Panama defeats Bolivia, the U.S. must defeat Uruguay and will subsequently rely on goal difference (the primary tiebreaker).

If Panama and Bolivia draw, the U.S. would advance with either a victory or a draw.

If Bolivia defeats Panama, the U.S. would advance with a win or a draw, with goal difference becoming crucial in the event of a loss.

This event marks a fresh start for nations like Chile and Peru, now led by Ricardo Gareca and Jorge Fossati respectively, and it is also a significant evaluation of the work of others such as Gregg Berhalter.

Below is a list of the salaries of some of the top coaches in this summer’s Copa America; all salaries are yearly.

Highest Paid Coaches in South America and Concacaf

Marcelo Bielsa of Uruguay leads the pack at $4 million yearly. The Argentine manager is expected to win silverware with La Celeste, especially following major victories against Brazil and Argentina in World Cup qualifying.

Brazil’s squad coach, Dorival Junior earns around $4 million. The journeyman coach is considered by many to be a disappointing choice to lead the five-time World Champions.

Ricardo Gareca, now with Chile, earns approximately $3.7 million, followed by Paraguay’s Daniel Garnero and Venezuela’s Fernando Batista, both at $3 million.

World Cup winner and Argentine manager Lionel Scaloni earns just $2.6 million, while USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter earns $2.2 million.

So far, Bielsa’s record is 6-2-2, with his biggest highlight being defeating Brazil and Argentina in the same week in World Cup qualifying.

As Bielsa prepares for the Copa America, Uruguay will play a friendly match with all local players against Costa Rica in San Jose. Bielsa will not be coaching the team in the match, which can be streamed live and exclusively on Bolavip.

Why is Marcelo Bielsa Not Coaching Uruguay?

Bielsa is staying behind to prepare for the upcoming Copa America. Under his supervision, Diego Perez will coach Uruguay. Perez, a legendary Uruguayan international, participated in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups and won a Copa America with La Celeste.

Perez is now the U-20 coach and will be in charge of the team that will field a player from Uruguay’s amateur interior league, striker Walter Gonzalez of Juventud Soriano known as “one of the great figures of interior football”. Watch Costa Rica vs Uruguay live for FREE exclusively on BOLAVIP.

So, after the failure, Gerardo Martino’s contract wasn’t extended as coach of the National Team and Mexico are looking for the man in charge of the biggest project ever: the 2026 World Cup. It’s important to remember that Mexico would be host alongside Canada and the United States.

The members of the Mexican Federation are on a major crossroad. Trust the team to a coach proved in Liga MX or try to splash a big name available in the market. That’s why Marcelo Bielsa was in front of the race to coach Mexico. However, an incredible reason has left him out of the position.

Why Marcelo Bielsa won’t be the coach for Mexico?

The reason is a never ending struggle for power among two groups inside the Mexican Federation. According to a report by journalist David Faitelson, Marcelo Bielsa said “yes” to Jesus Martinez, the leader of Grupo Pachuca. This group, led by Martinez’s family, owns teams like Pachuca and Leon. They have been very successful.

However, there’s another group in the Mexican Federation trying to go in a different direction. So, instead of agreeing with Grupo Pachuca, these club presidents have two names in sight: Guillermo Almada and Miguel Herrera. Considering this group is closer to the man who makes the biggest decisions for soccer in Mexico, Emilio Azcarraga, Marcelo Bielsa is out of the race.

Since many years ago, Grupo Pachuca haven’t agreed in a lot of major decisions with Emilio Azcarraga, owner of Club America and the man with the television rights for Mexico’s National Team. It’s a constant battle for power. But, as it’s historically proven, Azcarraga most definitely would have the last word. If Marcelo Bielsa is not the coach proposedby his group, then Marcelo Bielsa won’t arrive to Mexico. He gave the word to Grupo Pachuca, the antagonist of the other presidents.