Marcelo Bielsa, the head coach of Uruguay, has once again showcased his unconventional style by refusing to engage during a recent photoshoot for FIFA. During a mandatory media session last Wednesday, the 70-year-old stood immobile, gazing at the ground with his hands in his pockets. Following Uruguay’s 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia on Monday, he addressed inquiries regarding the incident.
“I don’t have to give any explanation, the picture was taken the way it was taken. Should I also explain why I don’t look to the people who are speaking to me at this moment?” Bielsa stated. “There is a limit in terms of what we need to explain. If I’m wearing glasses, why am I wearing glasses? You look somebody in the eye, why do you do that? There is nothing wrong about wearing glasses or looking into somebody’s eyes or looking down.”
His comments continued even as reporters shifted their focus. “There is a limit in terms of what we need to explain. If I’m wearing glasses, why am I wearing glasses? You look somebody in the eye, why do you do that? There is nothing wrong about wearing glasses or looking into somebody’s eyes or looking down,” he added.
The portraits of the Uruguay team were captured by photographers Michael Regan and Molly Darlington in Cancún, Mexico, on June 10. While emotive images of the players emerged, Bielsa’s awkward pose has quickly gained traction as one of the tournament’s first viral photographs.
Bielsa is recognized for his eccentricity, having previously sat on a plastic bucket during his tenure as manager of Leeds United to alleviate chronic back pain. He also controversially paid a £200,000 fine imposed on the club after an incident involving spying on Derby County in 2019.
