Marcelo Bielsa predicted a “positive” Copa América for Uruguay

The technical director of the Uruguayan national team soccer, Marcelo BielsaOn Friday, he positively assessed the state of the “celeste” team with a view to the America Cupthe continental tournament that will be played in three months in USA.

“The season in the clubs progresses and the performance of the players in general terms is even, so the outlook would be positive”stated the coach at a press conference in San Sebastián, prior to the start of the double FIFA date of international friendlies in March.

Uruguay will face Saturday in Bilbao to the team of Basque Countryand on Tuesday in Lens, Franceat Ivory Coastcurrent champion of Africa.

Both matches will serve as preparation to play the America Cupwhich will be played from June 20 to July 14 in USAand to continue in September with the qualifier for the World Cup 2026.

Asked about these challenges, Bielsa He warned that the load of matches is important, but highlighted the commitment of the “Celeste” footballers.

“The Uruguayan player has an unconditionality with his team that makes them put everything above any other type of interest”said.

Regarding the cast for the two friendlies, Bielsa highlighted the “positive individual feelings” that he left him Pre-Olympicwhich led him to call up players like Randall Rodriguez (Peñarol, URU), Nicolas Marichal (Dynamo, RUS), Luciano Rodriguez (Liverpool, URU), Ignacio Laquintana (Red Bull Bragantino, BRA), and Nicolas Fonseca (River Plate, ARG).

Bielsa’s praise for Nicolás Fonseca

In particular, he had words of praise for Fonseca. “It caught my attention a lot”said. “I think there is hope in him in relation to Uruguayan football”he added about the player River.

Bielsawho has led the men’s team since last May, closed 2023 with the “Celeste” in second place in the standings of the South American Qualifiers heading to World Cup 2026 in United States, Canada and Mexicojust behind the current world champion Argentina.