SOCCER: Uruguay's Bielsa says his job ends 'with the World Cup'

Marcelo Bielsa hinted Thursday that he may not remain as manager of Uruguay beyond July, saying his tenure with the national team ends with the World Cup.

“Our job ends with the World Cup,” Bielsa said at an event organized by the Uruguayan Football Association.

Although he did not provide further details, local media reported that the Argentine coach will not continue once his contract expires at the end of the June 11–July 19 tournament, which will be held in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

“It is a miracle in any professional’s sporting career to take part in the World Cup,” he added. “I will be forever grateful to Uruguay for allowing me to enjoy a competition like the World Cup.”

Bielsa will lead a team at his third World Cup, having previously managed Argentina in 2002, which exited at the group stage, and Chile in 2014, which lost to host nation Brazil in the round of 16.

After a successful spell at Leeds United, Bielsa took over Uruguay in 2023 following Diego Alonso’s departure. He enjoyed a strong start, guiding La Celeste through the CONMEBOL qualifiers and to third place at the 2024 Copa America.

However, his relationship with the squad reportedly deteriorated after public criticism from Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer Luis Suarez, alongside a series of internal conflicts that raised questions about his management.

Uruguay’s recent form has been inconsistent, including draws against England and Algeria during the March international window and a 5-1 defeat to the U.S. in November.

Uruguay will open their World Cup campaign on June 15 against Group H rivals Saudi Arabia, before taking on Cape Verde and Spain.

-Report by Javier Leira; Writing by Janina Nuno Rios; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman/Reuters