'I'm no model,' Bielsa hits out in defense of unorthodox picture pose

Uruguay's coach Marcelo Bielsa has dismissed criticism regarding his unusual pose in his official World Cup portrait, asserting that he is under no obligation to explain his actions. FIFA requires all coaches and players to have their photographs taken for display during the tournament.

Bielsa, 70, was captured in the official photograph with his head bowed and eyes downcast. This unorthodox pose quickly gained traction on social media, sparking numerous memes and discussions. However, Bielsa remained unfazed, telling reporters after Uruguay's 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia in Miami on Monday, "I don't have to give any explanation. The picture was taken the way it was taken. I'm not a model. I have no answer for that."

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I don't have to give any explanation. The picture was taken the way it was taken. I'm not a model. I have no answer for that.

His distinctive approach was evident again during the match. Instead of pacing the sidelines or sitting in the dugout, Bielsa yelled instructions to his players while perched on a blue ice box next to the pitch. This behavior aligns with his reputation as one of football's most idiosyncratic tacticians.

"There is a limit in terms of what we need to explain," the bespectacled coach added. "If I'm wearing glasses, why am I wearing glasses? You look somebody in the eye, why do you do that? There is nothing wrong about wearing glasses or looking into somebody's eyes or looking down." Uruguay is scheduled to play Cape Verde in their next group game on Sunday in Miami.

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There is a limit in terms of what we need to explain. If I'm wearing glasses, why am I wearing glasses? You look somebody in the eye, why do you do that? There is nothing wrong about wearing glasses or looking into somebody's eyes or looking down.