Former Uruguay international and 1995 Copa América champion Gustavo Poyet recently spoke with FIFA about the responsibility of wearing the Uruguay national team jersey and the changes brought by coach Marcelo Bielsa. According to him, Bielsa's most important contribution has been restoring Uruguay's intense playing style and ambition.

When discussing the difference between playing for a club and the national team, Poyet stated: "When you win for your club, you make your family, friends, and the club's fans happy. But when you win for your national team, you bring joy to so many more people. Your hometown, your neighbors, your school, and the entire country celebrate. It's a completely different level of emotion."

Poyet believes that wearing Uruguay's jersey is both an honor and a burden.

"It's beautiful and painful at the same time, because you carry the responsibility to win. Uruguay has only about 3.5 million people, but we won the FIFA World Cup in 1930 and 1950, plus numerous Copa América titles. So no matter what tournament we enter, people expect us to win."

"On paper, there's no reason Uruguay should be considered favorites in every tournament, but that's how Uruguayans think."

When asked about the difference between the national team he played for in the 1990s and today's Uruguay side, Poyet believes playing style and results must be balanced.

"Playing style certainly matters. When you win, everyone loves the style. But the moment you lose, people long for how you used to win. Fans never forget the way Uruguay traditionally won; it's become part of our national football culture."

"The team's tactical philosophy and player characteristics must fit perfectly, and only then can everyone feel confident. And as long as you can win, it doesn't matter what method you use—fans will ultimately support you."

Regarding Uruguay's prospects at this FIFA World Cup, Poyet said he is still observing the team's evolution.

"I'm not entirely sure what kind of performance this team will show, because there's been much discussion about whether Uruguay will adjust its formation in the first match."

"I hope the team can stick to the basic framework set by the head coach, but ultimately, the players decide the match. Once you're on the pitch, you have responsibilities and tasks, but beyond that, everything depends on the players' own judgment. Every match is different, every opponent, every attacking and defensive transition brings a new situation. There are many factors constantly changing in a football match, and ultimately, it's always the players who make the deciding calls."

Speaking about Bielsa, Poyet believes the renowned Argentine coach has injected the most important element into Uruguay—intensity.

"I think Bielsa brings intensity. Over the years, he has continuously tried different ways to find and maintain this energy. He wants his team to always maintain high-intensity play."

"There were periods when people emphasized direct confrontation with opponents. Then it evolved into high pressing, quick counter-pressing, and fast attacking style. By fast, I don't just mean long passes, but quickly moving the ball forward after regaining possession."

However, Poyet also explained why Uruguay sometimes showed inconsistent performances under Bielsa.

"After Bielsa took charge, Uruguay actually reached its peak very quickly. I think it took just four months."

"The problem is that it's very difficult to maintain that level over the long term. It's not only that opponents gradually become familiar with your playing style, but also changes in the circumstances of some key players."

"For example, Nicolás de la Cruz, after moving to Brazil, his performance has fluctuated, and he's suffered injuries and reduced playing time. I think the team's problems started from that point."

"The greatest characteristic of Uruguayan players is their very strong willpower. It's an advantage and potentially a burden. If this character trait can be managed properly, it will help the team achieve success."

When discussing the current star player in Uruguay's squad, Federico Valverde, Poyet didn't hide his admiration.

"I played for Uruguay's national team with many great players, all of them extraordinary in Uruguay's football history."

"But honestly, no one has been able to be a core player for so long at the highest level, at Real Madrid, like Valverde. This is a special asset that Uruguay must fully utilize."

Poyet believes Uruguay should give Valverde greater freedom.

"I hope Valverde can be given complete freedom to play."

"I don't think he has much left to learn. Let him play freely and see what happens."

"Look at the matches where he's collaborated with Alexander-Arnold on the right wing; he's able to score, break into the penalty box, and take shots. What he needs most is freedom."

"I even think he shouldn't feel he has to carry the entire team alone. Just let him play his way."

Regarding the striker position, Poyet's top choice is Núñez.

"If I had to pick a player who might shine at this FIFA World Cup, I'd choose Núñez. Because of his desire to win and what this tournament means to him."

"Many people think player transfers are decided in five minutes, but leaving Liverpool and the Premier League for the Saudi league was actually a very difficult decision."

"At that time, he was playing and scoring for Liverpool and was part of the team. But then Benzema arrived, and due to the foreign player quota restrictions, he had to lose his position, which affected him somewhat."

Poyet believes Núñez has been waiting for the FIFA World Cup stage.

"I think he's been waiting for this moment. For a player, there's nothing better than having a burning desire to win. When you tell yourself, 'Come on, I'm ready,' that feeling is very special."

"I believe he can perform at a high level."

"As for whether he can play 90 minutes straight and throughout the group stage, I'm not sure. After all, he hasn't played much recently."

"But one thing I don't doubt—he will give everything on the pitch."

When discussing strong opponent Spain, whom Uruguay will face in the group stage, Poyet had high praise.

"In my opinion, France, Argentina, and Spain are all World Cup favorites. France has extraordinary squad depth. When they make substitutions, you might even be shocked and say, 'That player wasn't on the pitch before?'"

"The same goes for Argentina. And Spain currently has this ability too. Their players have played in an integrated system for a long time, so even substitute players completely understand how to help the team improve performance."

"In a sense, substitute players might even be more influential than those on the pitch. Not because they're stronger, but because they fully understand the system's requirements and know how to make the team better."

"Having 26 players with completely consistent philosophy is a key reason why Spain is a World Cup title contender."

Finally, looking ahead to the Spain match, Poyet said with a smile:

"Hopefully by then, we'll have already won our first two matches. If we don't win the first two, then facing Spain will be very difficult. I think it will be a tough battle. Spain will try to control the game, and Uruguay must find a way to counter them."

"As for how to counter them, Uruguay never limits itself."

"The match could be very exciting, with one team controlling the ball and the other seeking counterattacks; of course, it could also turn into a demanding, intense physical battle."

"Either way, it will definitely be a very distinctive FIFA World Cup encounter between two strong teams."

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.