Winger Agustin Canobbio, who was sent off late in the defeat to Spain, was previously involved in a bitter row with Bielsa, saying the turning point came when the manager criticized the way he was sitting.
Following the US debacle, Bielsa spoke openly about his own difficulties communicating with people, calling himself a โtoxic perfectionistโ.
This raises the possibility that his familiar blend of aloof eccentricity is less effective for modern players, who often seek a stronger personal connection with their coach.
Bielsa himself reflected โ in typically thoughtful fashion โ that despite all the advances in sports science, enthusiasm is more important than preparation in getting a team to perform as a unit. For some reason, he hasnโt been able to instill enough of this quality in the last two years.
At times it also went beyond the modern game. He criticized tournament hydration breaks โ a classic Bielsa example โ saying they โget in the way of the cultural interpretation of football. They donโt add anythingโฆโ
He also refused to take part in the official World Cup photo shoot. โIโm not a model,โ he said after he was photographed looking at the floor.
Bielsa had always intended to retire after this tournament, but the prospect has not brought any new energy to the dressing room.
Uruguay, a country whose influence on world football is too great for its modest population of 3.4 million, will be back.
As for Bielsa, one of the most exciting coaching careers in football may well be over.