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Uruguay's Bielsa Says 'I'm Not a Model' After World Cup Exchange
Bielsa said the portrait needed no explanation and rejected claims of protest after Uruguay’s 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia.
Following Uruguay's 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia in Miami on Monday, Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa faced questions about his viral FIFA portrait, curtly replying, "I'm not a model."
Speculation that Bielsa's downward gaze in the official FIFA photo indicated a protest spread on social media, though the 70-year-old dismissed the claims as unfounded.
Frustrated by the result, Bielsa claimed his team only played at their best for "half the time," expressing dissatisfaction with Uruguay's performance.
The Argentine coach rejected further inquiries, stating, "There is a limit in terms of what we need to explain," comparing his portrait pose to his natural habit of looking away.
With all four Group teams level with one point, Bielsa's side must secure their first victory against Cape Verde on Sunday to advance their knockout stage bid.