Suarez criticizes Bielsa’s coaching methods for splitting the Uruguayan team

Former Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez claimed that the national team is so split under Marcelo Bielsa’s coaching style that several players are thinking about leaving the team.

Suarez, the all-time top scorer for Uruguay, announced his retirement from the national team last month. He said that since taking over last year, Bielsa’s strategies and adjustments have strained relations within the team.

“When something goes wrong, I will beg the supporters to please not take it out on the players. Because of the way Bielsa trains, the entire squad is divided, Suarez said in an interview with DSports on Thursday.

“The players will blow up when they hit a limit. Even several of my teammates told me they were just playing in the Copa America,” he remarked.

The Inter Miami attacker went on to say that although he did not agree with certain things that occurred during the continental match in the United States, where Uruguay finished third, he still made the decision to remain silent.

It is common knowledge that he dislikes interacting with players or leaders that have more expertise. For the sake of harmony and respect for the national team, I had to remain silent. I refused to contribute to the issue.”

The torture of midfielder Agustin Canobbio, who was made to train as a ball boy and a spare guy, was one of the scenarios, he continued.

“One of the 26 players chosen for the Copa America cannot be forced to play like a’sparring’ partner. It irritates me. I comprehend Agustin. He has been holding back a lot, therefore I will encourage him.”

Suarez bemoaned the unfavorable environment of Uruguay’s facilities as well.

“We do not allow staff members to join us for dinner or to come in and say hello. The coach didn’t even say hello, so many of the players called a meeting to demand that he at least say good morning. “Seeing what the national team is going through hurts me,” he continued.

The Uruguayan Football Association was contacted by Reuters over coach Bielsa’s remarks.