Uruguayan media revealed that many key pillars confronted coach Marcelo Bielsa over disagreements regarding training methods and tactics ahead of the decisive match at the 2026 World Cup.
According to radio station Espectador Deportes, a group of veteran players expressed their direct opposition to coach Marcelo Bielsa, demanding the Argentine manager change his way of working and adjust his tactics. The source stated that Federico Valverde, Sergio Rochet, Manuel Ugarte, and Rodrigo Bentancur were the players who stepped forward to request a meeting with Bielsa.
During the exchange, the national team players expressed their dissatisfaction with the overly heavy training intensity, while arguing that this caused many teammates to suffer injuries during the preparation process for the tournament. Besides, the group of players also desired Uruguay to approach the match against Spain with a more pragmatic style of play, with a deep-lying formation and waiting for counter-attacking opportunities.
However, according to information from Espectador Deportes, Bielsa did not agree. He immediately convened a full-team meeting and affirmed his intention to continue deploying the style of play according to the prepared plan.
The radio station also stated that Bielsa spoke continuously for 48 minutes to explain his football philosophy and working standpoint. The 70-year-old manager apparently recalled previously being pressured by players after he stopped calling up Luis Suarez and did not include Nahitan Nandez’s name in the World Cup squad. He also asserted that he contributed to building the careers of several players such as Martin Caceres and Maxi Araujo.
The meeting apparently ended in a tense atmosphere as several players left the meeting room halfway through. Center-back Jose Maria Gimenez attempted to defuse the situation but was unsuccessful.
Engineering, up to the present moment, Marcelo Bielsa, the involved players, and the Uruguayan Football Association have not released an official response. Following two consecutive draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde, Uruguay is forced to defeat Spain in the final matchday if they want to secure a ticket to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup.
