Bielsa feted on Chile departure

Chile marked manager Marcelo Bielsa’s final game at the helm with a comfortable 2-0 home win over Uruguay on Wednesday.

Bielsa presided over a successful spell for the Chilean national side since taking over in 2007, leading the nation to the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa – their first appearance in 12 years.

The 55-year-old enjoyed 28 wins, 15 losses and seven draws from his 50 matches in charge. Wednesday’s game turned into an emotional farewell for the Argentine, with fans unfurling banners and chanting songs of support.

Midfielder Carlos Carmona said he and the rest of the players would be sad to see the back of Bielsa, who also managed Argentina from 1998-2004 and has been linked with a move back to club football with Argentine powerhouse Boca Juniors.

“I am sad the professor is leaving. I think it is a shame for Chilean soccer because he has already done a good job, it’s unfortunate,” Carmona told Reuters.

Bielsa said he was moved by the show of support from the players and fans.

“I honestly can’t help but reflect in an accentuated manner. I am thankful for the tokens of affection that I have gotten today,” Bielsa said.

Bielsa had been contracted to the Chilean national side until 2015, but was adamant he would resign from his post if Harold Mayne-Nicholls – the president of the Chilean Football Federation and the man who brought him to the position – was not re-elected in the role.

Mayne-Nicholls lost the ballot on November 4, and Bielsa stayed true to his word.

Midfielder Rodrigo Millar said that despite the pleas of the players, Bielsa had made up his mind.

“He’s made his decision. He is very clear in his decisions. Most of us have told him that for us it would be spectacular if he stayed. But it seems to me that it is a decision that had been made a while ago,” Millar said.