Uruguay Boss Bielsa Says His Authority Was Affected after Suarez Criticism

Uruguay's Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa gestures during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Peru and Uruguay at the National stadium in Lima, on October 11, 2024. (AFP)
Uruguay's Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa gestures during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Peru and Uruguay at the National stadium in Lima, on October 11, 2024. (AFP)
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Uruguay Boss Bielsa Says His Authority Was Affected after Suarez Criticism

Uruguay's Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa gestures during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Peru and Uruguay at the National stadium in Lima, on October 11, 2024. (AFP)
Uruguay's Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa gestures during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Peru and Uruguay at the National stadium in Lima, on October 11, 2024. (AFP)

Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa said his authority was somewhat affected after striker Luis Suarez slammed his coaching style, but the Argentine added that he was prepared for the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifier against Peru with utmost seriousness.

Uruguay's all-time leading goal-scorer Suarez, who retired from internationals in September, earlier this month accused Bielsa's coaching style of having divided the squad because of how he trains and that some players were considering quitting.

The Inter Miami player added that some things happened at the Copa America in the United States, where the 15-times champions Uruguay finished third, that he did not agree with but chose to keep quiet.

Bielsa said his side's commitment was unaffected in their shock 1-0 loss away at Peru on Saturday.

"What happened during the week does not condition or explain how we played, nor do I think it has had an effect because it was a week with a lot of effervescence," Bielsa told reporters after the defeat.

"As for how the situation affected me, I don't ignore what happened, and I know that my authority was affected in some way, but I prepared for the game with the utmost seriousness, and the response I got from the players was the same as I have always had since I started working here.

"It didn't alter the conviction with which the match was prepared and the way the group and the coaching staff worked. The preparation was the same as always."

Uruguay, third in the World Cup Qualifying standings with 15 points from nine matches, next host fifth-placed Ecuador.



Former Argentina Coach Sampaoli Takes Over at French Club Rennes

FILE - Coach Jorge Sampaoli of Brazil's Flamengo reacts during a Copa Libertadores round of 16 second leg soccer match against Paraguay's Olimpia at Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asuncion, Paraguay, Aug.10, 2023. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz, File )
FILE - Coach Jorge Sampaoli of Brazil's Flamengo reacts during a Copa Libertadores round of 16 second leg soccer match against Paraguay's Olimpia at Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asuncion, Paraguay, Aug.10, 2023. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz, File )
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Former Argentina Coach Sampaoli Takes Over at French Club Rennes

FILE - Coach Jorge Sampaoli of Brazil's Flamengo reacts during a Copa Libertadores round of 16 second leg soccer match against Paraguay's Olimpia at Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asuncion, Paraguay, Aug.10, 2023. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz, File )
FILE - Coach Jorge Sampaoli of Brazil's Flamengo reacts during a Copa Libertadores round of 16 second leg soccer match against Paraguay's Olimpia at Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asuncion, Paraguay, Aug.10, 2023. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz, File )

Former Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli is taking over at French league side Rennes.
The 64-year-old is returning to French soccer following a previous stint with Marseille.
Rennes said late Monday that Sampaoli signed a 1 1/2-year contract, The Associated Press reported.
Sampaoli, who was in charge of Argentina at the 2018 World Cup, replaces Julien Stephan, who was dismissed last week.
Rennes is looking for a jolt after a mediocre spell that saw the team slump to 13th place in the standings, 18 points behind leader Paris Saint-Germain after 11 matches.
“He is a coach who is recognized internationally for his professionalism and humanism,” said Arnaud Pouille, the executive chairman and managing director at Rennes. “He has a strong attachment to his players and staff, and is a loyal and committed man. We need his energy to get the club moving again and to face the competition with determination.”
The much-traveled Sampaoli has also coached clubs in Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Spain and Brazil.
Sampaoli abruptly left Marseille in July 2022 after leading the team back to the Champions League, over a disagreement related to the club's transfers of players.