Uruguay's Bielsa, 70, Shrugs Off FIFA World Cup Photoshoot Questions After 1-1 Draw
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 16
Uruguay's Bielsa, 70, Shrugs Off FIFA World Cup Photoshoot Questions After 1-1 Draw
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 16
Summary
Marcelo Bielsa dismissed questions over his official FIFA World Cup portrait after Uruguay's 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia in Miami, saying: "I don't have to give any explanation."
The 70-year-old coach had stood out in tournament media duties by staring downward in the photo and refusing to play along with FIFA promotional filming, prompting suggestions of a protest.
Bielsa rejected that framing and broadened his complaint about the scrutiny, saying there was a limit to what needed explaining and adding: "I'm not a model."
Uruguay next face Cape Verde on Sunday in their second group match, with the episode reinforcing Bielsa's long-standing reputation as an unconventional World Cup manager.