Soccer-‘I’m No Model’, Bielsa Hits Out in Defence of Unorthodox Picture Pose
Bielsa said he owed no explanation after FIFA’s portrait drew memes and criticism online, while Uruguay returned to Miami for group play.
- On Monday, Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa dismissed criticism of his official World Cup portrait in Miami, telling reporters, "I'm not a model" and stating he owed no explanation for the image.
- FIFA commissioned official photographs of all players and coaches for stadium displays ahead of the tournament, but Bielsa appeared with his head bowed and eyes downcast, a pose that sparked widespread social media memes.
- Known as "El Loco" for his erratic habits, the Argentine coach yelled instructions while perched on a blue ice box during Monday's 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia, displaying his unconventional approach.
- Defending his approach, Bielsa questioned the demand for explanations, asking, "Should I also explain why I don't look to the people who are speaking to me at this moment?" reflecting his consistent refusal to justify his methods.
- Regarded as one of the most influential coaches of the 21st century, Bielsa's tactical style inspired elite figures like Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino, though he remains focused on competition over pre-tournament publicity requirements.
15 Articles
15 Articles
FIFA took an official picture of all the players and coaches who will be in the World Cup. Thus, for example, to present the Spanish alignments, Cubarsí points out the shield, Laporte raises the index finger, Pedri Rodri, Gavi or Oyarzabal pulls out their fists and shakes them... Others, for example, look at the camera and smile. Marcelo Bielsa, no. Uruguay’s selector simply comes out in the photo looking down. It’s usual, for example, to give t…
Az uruguayi válogatott edzője hoszasan meltatlankodott, amikor arról kérdezték, miért néz zsebre tett kézzel lefelé a róla készült hivatalos képen.
Marcelo Bielsa didn't bother posing and had to explain the matter.
Quick hits: Mbappé's stunning goal and why this coach refused to pose
Kylian Mbappé's magical strike thrust him back into the World Cup spotlight, while master coach Marcelo Bielsa did everything he could to avoid it. French journalists leave an empty space and Jesus gets a Mexican kit makeover. Here's the five quick hits from the FIFA World Cup.
Los Angeles Times
Independent EspañolMarcelo Bielsa added another chapter to his record of controversial idiosyncrasies.
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