WATCH : Marcelo Bielsa’s FURIOUS rant aimed at USA following elimination from Copa America goes viral

Marcelo Bielsa stated that Uruguayan players deserve apologies from CONMEBOL and U.S. authorities.

WATCH : Marcelo Bielsa’s FURIOUS rant aimed at USA following elimination from Copa America goes viral

Marcelo Bielsa furiously criticized US authorities and CONMEBOL for not being able to provide security to players' families. (via IMAGO)

Uruguayan coach Marcelo Bielsa, after their Copa America elimination, hit out at the U.S. soccer federation and CONMEBOL. Moreover, he also defended his players’ involvement in post-match clashes with Colombian fans.

A brawl erupted in the stands after Uruguay’s Copa America semi-final loss to Colombia. As a result of it, Darwin Nunez and other players were seen climbing into the stands to confront drunk Colombian fans, attempting to defend their family members seated nearby. Following the violent altercation between the fans and the players, CONMEBOL has launched an investigation into the incident, with potential bans for the Uruguayan players.

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A visibly frustrated Uruguayan manager Marcelo Bielsa addressed reporters ahead of their third-place match. He defended his players’ actions, emphasizing their response to a situation where their families were being attacked. Moreover, he criticized the Colombian crowd and implied inadequate security measures to protect the Uruguayan players and their families. The former Leeds manager also criticized CONMEBOL and the U.S. for the tournament’s organization.

How can you not defend your mother, your sister, a baby? The sanction does not have to be for the footballers, but for those who forced them to act like this. We are in the United States, the country of security.
Marcelo Bielsa furiously rants to the media (via Sky Sports)

Additionally, when questioned about the potential sanctions his players might face, Bielsa downplayed them. He also challenged the media narratives surrounding the situation, suggesting that they limited his ability to speak freely.

Marcelo Bielsa takes responsibility for Uruguay Copa Americo exit against Colombia

Uruguayan manager Marcelo Bielsa took full responsibility for the team’s semi-final exit from the 2024 Copa America. Jefferson Lerma‘s goal secured Colombia’s 1-0 victory over Uruguay, advancing them to Sunday’s final against Argentina.

Marcelo Bielsa responsibility
Marcelo Bielsa took full responsibility for Uruguay’s Copa America exit. (via IMAGO)

The 68-year-old manager stated that his team had more talent than Colombia. He therefore, took full responsibility for the defeat, despite being pre-tournament favorites. The manager exclaimed that the team failed to capitalize on clear chances and advantages to achieve the expected result.

I am personally liable for not achieving the result, despite having these players that were capable of being superior to the opponent. We were not able to seize our extra man advantage.
Marcelo Bielsa following Uruguay’s Copa exit (via Reuters)

Uruguay faced Canada in the third-place playoff match on Saturday and won the match in penalties.

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