Marcelo Bielsa, the current head coach of the Uruguay men’s national soccer team, is set to return to Bilbao, Spain next month where he previously coached Athletic Club. The match, scheduled for March 23 at the San Mamés arena, will see Uruguay face the Basque Country soccer team in a unique international friendly.
The Basque team, known as Euskal Selekzioa, is not recognized as an independent competitor by FIFA but has a history of playing against prominent international teams. This upcoming match against Uruguay, a two-time World Cup champion, is considered a significant event for the Basque side.
Bielsa, often referred to as El Loco, is known for his eccentric coaching style and intense focus on tactical details. His tenure at Athletic Club from 2011 to 2013 saw the team reach the finals of the Europa League and Copa del Rey, leaving a lasting impression despite not winning any trophies.
Uruguay, under Bielsa's guidance, is currently experiencing a positive impact with a squad that includes talented players such as Darwin Núñez, Luis Suárez, Federico Valverde, and Ronald Araújo. The match against the Basque team will serve as preparation for upcoming competitions like the Copa America and World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
For the Basque players, this game presents a rare opportunity to showcase their skills, with some La Liga stars like Yuri Berchiche, Iker Muniain, and Iñaki Williams expected to feature. The team, undefeated in their last seven games, will face a tough challenge against Bielsa's Uruguay, known for their high-intensity style of play.
As the international friendly approaches, soccer fans are eagerly anticipating the clash between the Basque Country and Uruguay, with the return of Bielsa to his former coaching ground adding an extra layer of excitement to the match.
