Uruguay arrived at the World Cup with expectations.

They left it without a win.

For Marcelo Bielsa, the end was not just a sporting failure. It also became a moment of unusually direct self-criticism from one of football’s most demanding coaches.

A painful early exit

Uruguay’s tournament ended with a 1-0 defeat to Spain in Guadalajara, a result that confirmed their group-stage elimination.

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According to Marca, Bielsa’s future was immediately placed under the spotlight after a campaign that delivered only two points.

Uruguay had drawn with Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde before losing to Spain. For a nation with Uruguay’s history, it was a bitter conclusion.

The Guardian reported that Bielsa will not continue as Uruguay coach after taking charge in 2023.

His own verdict was severe.

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“I have not left anything to Uruguayan football,” Bielsa said.

He also accepted responsibility for the result of the campaign.

“We could have seven points but we have two. This is the result of my management,” he said.

Lugano hits out

The reaction in Uruguay has been fierce.

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Former Uruguay captain Diego Lugano was among the most direct critics of Bielsa and the Uruguayan Football Association.

According to Teledoce, Lugano said it was “a huge mistake” for Uruguay to go into the World Cup with Bielsa.

He also said Bielsa “poisoned the atmosphere” and “never understood where he was.”

For Lugano, the consequences would be felt most by the players.

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The former defender argued that they will be the ones remembered for one of Uruguay’s worst World Cup campaigns, while the coach can move on.

Valverde substitution raises questions

The decisive match also brought criticism of Bielsa’s decisions.

Federico Valverde was taken off in the second half against Spain, despite being one of Uruguay’s most important players.

According to Managing Madrid, Valverde was substituted in the 56th minute, even though he had helped create one of Uruguay’s clearest chances.

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Bielsa later defended the decision by saying he wanted to strengthen the attack.

It did not work.

Uruguay struggled to create enough pressure, and Spain held on to win the group.

A difficult rebuild ahead

Bielsa’s time with Uruguay had moments of promise.

There was a fourth-place finish in World Cup qualifying and a third-place finish at the Copa América.

But Bielsa himself said those achievements carried little weight after what happened at the World Cup.

“Fourth place in the qualifiers has no value and nor does third at the Copa América,” he said.

Uruguay now faces a difficult reset.

The team must move on from a disappointing tournament, manage criticism from former players and decide who should lead the next stage.

For Bielsa, the ending was sharp and uncomfortable.

For Uruguay, the bigger question is how quickly a proud football nation can rebuild.