"Nobody cares what I know," fumed the famous coach. Uruguay crashed out and faces a huge internal crisis

The South Americans disappointed at the tournament, drawing with Saudi Arabia (1:1) and Cape Verde (2:2) before losing 0:1 to Spain. The 70-year-old Argentine described the tournament exit as "very painful."

"I am absolutely certain that nobody cares what I know. I can recognize when someone cares what I know. Nothing I tried to convey was important at any level," The Athletic quoted Bielsa as saying.

The two-time world champions had to contend with an internal crisis before their final group stage match, as several players, led by captain Federico Valverde, demanded a change in approach from the coach.

Problems with Bielsa's methods are not new; after the team's elimination in the 2024 Copa America semi-finals, striker Luis Suarez accused him of creating a "toxic atmosphere."