Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterMarcelo Bielsa will go down in footballing history as one of the sport's most fascinating and influential minds.His Uruguay side will face off against Spain this evening, looking to keep their hopes of knockout football alive.But for a man who, at times, appears awkward and reserved, why is Bielsa known as 'El Loco'?Why is Marcelo Bielsa known as 'El Loco'?Bielsa has drawn the attention of football fans around the globe lately for his timid nature during a FIFA photoshoot: keeping his head bowed and refusing, respectfully, to raise it for the camera.But there was once a time the Uruguay boss chased fans with a hand grenade, and threatened to pull the pin, after a selection of 'ultras' turned up at his house, following a heavy defeat. You may like Quote of the day by Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa: "I'm not a model" - why the legendary coach remains a unique, refreshing presence at the 2026 World Cup Marcelo Bielsa knocked on my parents door at 1am to offer me a trial. The streets were empty except for stray dogs The extreme methods used to discover Mauricio Pochettino Uruguay squad World Cup 2026: Marcelo Bielsa's names team for crunch World Cup group game against Spain This was back in 1992, when Bielsa was manager of Newell's Old Boys, and he had just seen overseen a torrid 6-0 loss.He opened the door with grenade in hand, as the Old Boys' most radical faithfuls stood in wait.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.When they realised that Bielsa was not making an empty threat, he reportedly chased them down the street after they left, and asked them: "Do you still want to talk?" in his pyjamas.Other fascinating stories of 'El Loco', meaning 'The Crazy Man', include the time he told one of his defenders that he would seriously sever his finger clean off, if it meant victory for the team.Or another, which comprises of many occurrences: Bielsa was often locked in the toilet by his staff to contain the fits of rage that had become commonplace after defeats. What to read next How to watch Uruguay vs Spain for FREE Replacing Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds was a big challenge. Its a shame the club gave up on us, then paid the price of relegation Jesse Marsch on succeeding the Leeds United favourite Why are Uruguay facing travel difficulties at the 2026 World Cup? Former Uruguay international, and football legend, Luis Suarez spoke on his experiences with Bielsa in a recent interview.His entire career has been like that, Suarez said to Mundo Deportivo. You have to accept him as he is [and] get used to working with him that way."Some agree with it, others don't, but there's a reason he's called that," the ex-Barcelona striker continued.In the years preceding that recent interview, Suarez once implied that Bielsa's cold, even terrifying, approach to the game was going to alienate Uruguay's players.He declined to go into solid detail back in 2024, stating that El Loco's behaviour "hurt to see" and he wouldn't discuss for "the good of the group."When the approach pays off, it pays off. In 2023, the greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi, had glowing words for Bielsa.After Uruguay beat Argentina and Brazil in back-to-back qualifying games for the World Cup, Messi confessed that Bielsa's hand was visible, with La Celeste's intensity proving too much to handle.Conversely, when the approach doesn't pay off, the discussion around Bielsa becomes far more toxic. With the coach likely to step down after the 2026 World Cup, results here will define his character.La Celeste have battled to two draws in the tournament, despite being favourites for both clashes.In dire need of a victory tonight against Spain to secure progression to the next stage, the outcome could decide whether Bielsa is recalled by Uruguayans years from now as a genius, or just 'El Loco.'TOPICSMarcelo BielsaUruguayKedar BayleySocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterKedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC,he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television,you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.
