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Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa has launched a wave of criticism at South American teams letting their best young talents leave for Europe.
Bielsa is preparing his team to face powerhouse Brazil Saturday night in Las Vegas. The game between the two South American sides is arguably the marquee matchup in the Copa America 2024 quarterfinals. After all, both sides are currently ranked as two of the top four CONMEBOL teams by FIFA.
While the Argentine manager has a tough task ahead, he touched on an interesting topic during a press conference on Friday.
Bielsa obviously spoke about the upcoming game, but he also did not shy away from discussing transfers. In particular, the coach heavily criticized South American sides selling their top young talent.
Clubs from across the continent have been selling teen prospects to big European teams for years now.
The notion is not exactly anything new. The most high-profile such instance in previous decades was Neymar’s $95 million move from Santos to Barcelona.
Neymar was just 19 at the time and the transfer was subject to an investigation of Spanish authorities.
Bielsa specifically referenced Brazil striker Endrick’s move to Europe
While South American youngsters have been shipped off to Europe in the past, there are certainly now more phenoms departing the continent. Bielsa referenced the transfers on Friday as a reporter asked the manager about the historic 1992 São Paulo team.
“Do you remember the formation of São Paulo? With a monumental coach and a formation of all Brazilian national team players, all playing in local football,” stated Bielsa.
“Look at what happened to poor South American football. Raí, Antonio Carlos, Ronaldo, Cafú, Pintado, Muller played there, all ‘European’ players, but before going to Europe they played in two Copa Libertadores finals.
Endrick is the latest to leave South American for the greener pastures of Europe
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/bielsa-criticizes-early-exit-of-young-south-americans-to-europe/
Author : Chris Moore
Publish date : 2024-07-06 15:18:24
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