Uruguay boss Bielsa defiant after heavy US loss

Marcelo Bielsa insisted Thursday he has the strength and conviction to remain Uruguay's manager following a 5-1 friendly defeat to the United States.

Bielsa called a press conference in Montevideo amid heavy criticism of his team's performance at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on Tuesday.

"I have had the same strength since the first day to continue with the national team through to the World Cup. If at any point I thought I should not continue, that moment was not now," said Bielsa, who was appointed Uruguay's manager in May 2023.

The loss to the United States came three days after a goalless away draw with Mexico. The friendlies were one of the last chances for Uruguay to sharpen their preparations for next year's World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Two-time World Cup champion Uruguay booked its place in the tournament by finishing fourth in South America's 10-team qualifying group.

Bielsa said he felt obliged to face reporters given the scale of Tuesday's defeat, though he was taken aback by the tone of some early questions.

"The first inclination I had about holding a press conference, obviously after losing 5-1, was that the effects of a defeat like that always create concern and one has to explain it," he said.

"But after the first question I was asked, which contained two very aggressive expressions, 'a disaster' and 'we were an eyesore', I understood that I had never heard such harsh phrases after a defeat."

He said long conversations with Uruguay Football Association president Ignacio Alonso had confirmed that his position was safe.

"I spoke for many hours with the president and the conclusion is that the project continues as it is until the World Cup. That is the summary."

Bielsa also rejected suggestions that players had turned against him.

"If they wanted me to leave, they would come and tell me: 'Look, Bielsa, we want you to go," the Argentine added.