After losing 0-1 to Spain in their final group stage match, Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay ended their World Cup campaign. In the post-match press conference, he stated that the Valverde substitution was made to strengthen the attack.

From defeating many strong teams two years ago to elimination in the group stage now—how did we get here? Is this one of Uruguay's greatest failures in history?

Connecting what happened two years ago with today is difficult to explain clearly. In this World Cup, we should have earned 7 points, but we only got 2. This is the result of my poor management. I am responsible for managing and directing a talented group of players, but I failed to convert their efforts into competitive strength. If you want an explanation—though I sense you don't—I'll repeat it: We should have earned 7 points, but we only got 2.

Were mistakes the main reason for this poor performance?

You can imagine how I feel as the person responsible for leading Uruguay in this World Cup. No one wants explanations, and that's understandable. Your question isn't seeking an answer; it's looking to vent your frustration at me because I'm responsible, and everyone is deeply disappointed with my work.

But if I analyze the situation, I must include the mistakes, because mistakes are part of football. However, even though we made errors, we also failed to capitalize on enough chances, and we didn't handle conceded goals and the opponent's influence well. Those goals we conceded were avoidable, but that's part of the game. Nevertheless, based on our performance, we should have earned 7 points, but you journalists and Uruguay fans want to direct your disappointment at me.

In your view, what have you left behind for Uruguayan football during your 39 months as coach?

I haven't left anything for Uruguayan football. A coach who works in a country for three years and fails to achieve results cannot leave any lasting impact. Fourth place in World Cup qualifying has no value, nor does third place in Copa América. This performance doesn't need to be defined; I've left nothing from this experience.

Muslera and captain Valverde were substituted in the first half. Was Uruguay's failure caused by specific mistakes, or a combination of various factors?

I'm answering you because I must. If on the first day we had 15 scoring chances, if the goal conceded in the second match didn't have a decisive impact, if this match acknowledges we should have drawn... that's how it is. Muslera decided to come off, and I replaced Valverde with Viña because I wanted to strengthen the attack, which aligns with the characteristics of the players we brought on and took off.

What was lacking from this team?

The team's attitude was perfect, and their physical condition was even better. Tactical development wasn't decisive, but I think this was a match where we had to work very hard to maintain balance. We should have won the ball back in the opponent's half, and playing this type of match against a team like Spain... The match was balanced, and we should have drawn.

Using all three substitution opportunities, but not all substitution slots.

Using all substitution opportunities wasn't because I ignored the consequences of each decision; those who came on were the ones I felt should come on. The fluidity shown by Spain in the match isn't something we could compensate for with effort; we had to work very hard to maintain our game plan, while Spain played more freely.

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