Last week, Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez found himself in a spat with Marcelo Bielsa, the former Leeds United and the current Uruguay national team manager.
Suárez shared his concerns about Bielsa, mentioning his distant demeanor and how he didn’t even acknowledge the national team players. As part of the Uruguay squad at the 2024 Copa America, the Inter Miami star had a front-row seat to Bielsa’s management style.
While Bielsa did lead La Celeste to the semi-finals of the 2024 Copa America, Suárez didn’t hold back when discussing Bielsa’s treatment of Club Athletico Paranaense’s Agustín Canobbio, who barely saw any action despite training with the first team.
Real Madrid star breaks silence on Marcelo Bielsa controversy
Suárez made these remarks but is no longer part of La Celeste, having retired from international duty. As a result, other players, such as Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde, must address the issue and find a solution that satisfies the coach and players.
Moreover, Valverde noted that what the veteran striker said about Bielsa wasn’t a lie, adding another layer to the controversy.
“What Luis said is completely true; he never lied or exaggerated,” Valverde said (h/t ESPN Uruguay). “He stated things as they are. Now, it’s up to us, as leaders, to talk among ourselves in the locker room as a team to improve and keep growing.
“As we have done several times since Marcelo (Bielsa) has been here. We have always sorted things out by talking and discussing different circumstances, and this will be another one that will be resolved in the same way.
“I think that since it is Luis, he doesn’t have to ask anyone for permission, especially not us, because he is the person who has always represented us in everything. He lives football with tremendous passion; he is Luis Suárez, and he can do what he wants.”
Bielsa and his team will have to address the issues and put them behind them as they face Perú and Ecuador as part of CONMEBOL’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying process. If their performance is poor, expect this controversy to remain at the forefront.
