In a revealing interview, Christian Olivera, the former LAFC winger and current Uruguay international, shared insights into a conversation he had with Marcelo Bielsa, the legendary soccer tactician. According to Olivera, Bielsa advised him to leave Major League Soccer (MLS) to advance his career, criticizing the league for fostering a lack of competitiveness.
Olivera, now 22 and playing for Gremio in Brazil’s Série A, recounted Bielsa’s blunt assessment during their time together with the Uruguay U-23 team. “Bielsa told me he wanted me to leave Los Angeles FC because it wasn’t an adequate league for me. He said, ‘MLS is a league that makes players lazy,'” Olivera revealed in an interview with Punto Penal.
The young attacker echoed Bielsa’s sentiments, admitting that he felt the same way during his stint in MLS. “I lacked rhythm there. I quickly realized it was the league,” Olivera said. He contrasted his experience in MLS with his current situation in Brazil, where the demanding schedule of matches every three days has reinvigorated his game. “Now, in the Brazilian league, it’s beautiful. The intensity is completely different.”
Bielsa, known for his meticulous and high-intensity coaching style, has long been a polarizing figure in soccer. His criticism of MLS adds to his reputation for being unapologetically honest. The Argentine coach, who was linked to the U.S. men’s national team head coach position after the 2022 World Cup, has also been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the organization of the 2024 Copa América, calling the organizers a “plague of liars.”
Olivera’s revelation has sparked debate about the quality and competitiveness of MLS, a league that has been steadily growing in popularity but continues to face criticism regarding its level of play. While MLS has attracted aging stars and young talents from around the world, Bielsa’s comments highlight concerns about whether the league provides the right environment for players to reach their full potential.
As Olivera thrives in Brazil, his story serves as a cautionary tale for young players considering MLS as a stepping stone in their careers. Meanwhile, Bielsa’s candid critique is sure to fuel ongoing discussions about the league’s development and its place in the global soccer landscape.
Marcelo Bielsa Slams MLS: “It Makes Players Lazy,” Says Former LAFC Star Christian Olivera
