Bielsa terse with reporter after World Cup draw with Saudi Arabia
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 3:02 AM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
Marcelo Bielsa, Uruguay's head coach, had a tense exchange with a reporter following a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia at the World Cup. In a post-match press conference, Bielsa reacted sharply to a question about his appearance in an official FIFA portrait. He insisted he was not a model and pushed back against further inquiries about his demeanor, questioning the need for explanations regarding personal choices. Bielsa, known for his eccentricities and respected coaching style, has led teams like Athletic Bilbao and Leeds United throughout his career.
- •Uruguay drew 1-1 against Saudi Arabia in the World Cup.
- •Bielsa criticized questions about his FIFA portrait appearance.
- •He emphasized personal choice in expressions and looks.
- •The exchange reflects Bielsa's eccentric but respected managerial style.
- 3:33 PMYahoo Sports — Uruguay boss Marcelo Bielsa defends unusual World Cup photo: ‘I’m not a model’
- 3:26 PMYahoo Sports — 'I'm not a model': Marcelo Bielsa focus not on picture explanation
- 7:02 AMYahoo Sports — 'Not a model' - Bielsa refuses to engage with World Cup photoshoot
- 7:02 AMBBC Sport — 'Not a model' - Bielsa refuses to engage with World Cup photoshoot
- 3:02 AMYahoo Sports — Uruguay's Bielsa says 'I'm not a model' after World Cup exchange
"Marcelo Bielsa said he is “not a model” after looking downwards for his official World Cup portrait. Uruguay’s coach – who is known as ‘El Loco’ (The Crazy One) – chose not to look into the lens for a picture shown on television before matches at the tournament.
"Marcelo Bielsa was involved in an awkward exchange with a reporter at the World Cup on Monday which concluded with the Uruguay coach saying: "I'm not a model.""I'm not a model."
"Uruguay and former Leeds coach Marcelo Bielsa defends his stony-faced appearance in the official World Cup photoshoot.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 3:33 PMUruguay boss Marcelo Bielsa defends unusual World Cup photo: ‘I’m not a model’
Marcelo Bielsa was not interested in getting his photo taken before Uruguay’s World Cup campaign began
- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 3:26 PM'I'm not a model': Marcelo Bielsa focus not on picture explanation
Marcelo Bielsa said he is “not a model” after looking downwards for his official World Cup portrait. Uruguay’s coach – who is known as ‘El Loco’ (The Crazy One) – chose not to look into the lens for a picture shown on television before matches at the tournament.
- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 7:02 AM'Not a model' - Bielsa refuses to engage with World Cup photoshoot
Uruguay and former Leeds coach Marcelo Bielsa defends his stony-faced appearance in the official World Cup photoshoot.
- BBC SportJun 16, 2026, 7:02 AM'Not a model' - Bielsa refuses to engage with World Cup photoshoot
Uruguay and former Leeds coach Marcelo Bielsa defends his stony-faced appearance in the official World Cup photoshoot.
- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 3:02 AMUruguay's Bielsa says 'I'm not a model' after World Cup exchange
Marcelo Bielsa was involved in an awkward exchange with a reporter at the World Cup on Monday which concluded with the Uruguay coach saying: "I'm not a model.""I'm not a model."
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