The crude response that Bielsa gave when asked if Uruguay is a candidate in the Copa América :: Olé

After beating 3-1 Panama and 5-0 to Bolivia in the first two dates of the group stage of the America Cupthe question that arises by default is whether Uruguay is one of the big candidates in this edition of the competition. However, for Marcelo Bielsathe favorable results that the Celeste has obtained until now are not a parameter.

“To draw these conclusions there are many steps that have not been taken“, he assured in a press conference. Immediately afterwards, the Argentine coach remarked: “Without underestimating the strength of the two teams we face, They are not among those previously assigned as the best in this competition“.

Along the same lines, he acknowledged: “Significant steps are still needed to convince us that Uruguay can play the football that one can imagine based on the individualities it has.“. And he continued: “Having won two games without having faced the best teams in the competition does not allow Uruguay to previously define itself as one of the most important teams in the competition. There is still a long way to go to confirm it.“.

With goals from Facundo Pellistri, Darwin Nunez, Maximiliano Araújo, Federico Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancurthe Celeste comfortably won against those led by Antonio Zago“When a team creates many scoring opportunities and converts a high percentage, there is a positive balance. It was not difficult for Uruguay: most of the times they reached the last third of the rival field, they managed to change the speed of the play and turn possessions into deep or aggressive situations.“, explained Bielsa.

However, he immediately pointed out: “There was a 15-minute period in the second half when circulation and possession did not become dangerous, but in the rest of the match it did. That the percentage of effectiveness is high is a value to highlight“.

Asked about the changes, which despite the large result took place after the 75th minute of the match, the coach confirmed: “I make them guided by what I see. Sometimes I see things that are consistent with what is happening and many other times I misjudge the development of the game.. In this match, it seemed to me that I made the changes as I confirmed that the substitutions I was suggesting were appropriate.”

To close, the coach spoke about USA, a rival he will face on the last date. “For me it is a team formed with great players. Although he lost, I don’t know the procedure, the merits and how it was, he lost with Panama and that distorts the idea that there is an immovable hierarchy,” he said.

Uruguay had not won two consecutive matches in the group stage of the Copa América since 1995. Therefore, with the triumphs he achieved against Panama and Bolivia in the 2024 edition, Marcelo Bielsa broke the bad streak of the Celeste.

With a perfect score, Uruguay is leading the Group C standings. Although is on track to qualify for the quarter-finalsits competitors could reach it in points on the last date. Therefore, the Celeste cannot be distracted and has to try to win the duel against USA.

• Uruguay vs. United States (01/07)