Bielsa declines to explain World Cup portrait pose

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa has declined to explain his unsmiling pose in his official FIFA World Cup portrait, telling reporters he is "not a model." The 70-year-old Argentine, known for his nickname 'El Loco' (The Crazy One) and his obsessive attention to detail, stared stonily downward rather than into the lens during the photoshoot, a departure from the typical smiling poses adopted by most players and managers.

Bielsa's response to questions

After Uruguay's opening 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia in Miami on Monday, journalists asked Bielsa about his portrait, suggesting it might be a form of protest. He dismissed the queries firmly. "I don't have to give any explanation, the picture was taken the way it was taken," he said. "I'm not a model."

When a different question was posed, Bielsa returned to the subject, adding: "There is a limit in terms of what we need to explain. If I'm wearing glasses, why am I wearing glasses? You look somebody in the eye, why do you do that? There is nothing wrong about wearing glasses or looking into somebody's eyes or looking down."

FIFA's World Cup portraits

FIFA has photographed all teams and staff at this World Cup, with the photoshoots becoming a staple of tournament coverage over the past decade. Bielsa, one of the most respected coaches in the game, is managing his third nation at a World Cup after previously leading his native Argentina and Chile. His reputation as a maverick was further cemented by his habit of sitting on an ice box during matches during his time at Leeds United.

Uruguay's next match

Uruguay's second group game is against tournament surprise package Cape Verde on Sunday at 23:00 BST.