Marcelo Bielsa accepted responsibility for Uruguay's World Cup exit on Friday, saying he had failed to get the best out of his squad.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The two-time champion were eliminated after a 1-0 defeat to Spain left it third in Group H with two points from three matches.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I wasn't able to get the best out of the quality Uruguay has in its players," Bielsa told reporters. "I couldn't get the level of the individual players to come together as a team that reflected their quality."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Argentine manager also defended two decisions that drew attention during the match: replacing captain Federico Valverde with Uruguay chasing an equalizer and goalkeeper Fernando Muslera's halftime departure.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bielsa said Valverde's withdrawal in the 56th minute was intended to make Uruguay more dangerous in the final third.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I wanted the team to have a greater attacking presence," he said. "The objective was to create more scoring opportunities."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Television cameras later showed the Real Madrid midfielder in tears on the substitutes' bench.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Muslera was replaced by Sergio Rochet at halftime after allowing Alex Baena's first-half shot to slip through his gloves for the only goal of the match. Bielsa said the veteran goalkeeper requested the change himself.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"That wasn't my decision," Bielsa said. "It was Muslera's own decision."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He called for criticism of the former Lazio and Galatasaray player to be restrained.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"He has tremendous character and is a great player," Bielsa said. "I think we're judging him too harshly."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Spain topped the group with seven points from their two wins and a draw, with tournament newboys Cape Verde taking the second knockout spot on three draws. Uruguay departed with just two points, the same as last-placed Saudi Arabia.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"He has tremendous character and is a great player," Bielsa said. "I think we're judging him too harshly."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
It was a bit of an odd goal, with both Manuel Ugarte and Lamine Yamal having treatment on the field as play continued, but Baena did not hesitate.<\/p>\r\n\r\n