Gargano: Valverde is in his prime
The former Uruguay midfielder shares his thoughts on Marcelo Bielsa, La Celeste’s prospects at World Cup 2026 and Real Madrid engine-room ace Federico Valverde.
- Walter Gargano speaks exclusively to FIFA
- Former Uruguay midfielder assesses current La Celeste side
- He hails Federico Valverde's influence
Walter Gargano was the epitome of a Uruguay player. He was all heart, grit and determination, busting a gut in the middle third while keeping his team ticking over and serving as the link between defence and attack.
But there was so much more to his game: he was also adept at distributing play, driving forwards and constantly providing his team-mates with an outlet.
The tenacious tackler was a mainstay of the national-team squad during Oscar Tabarez’s second stint in charge, which featured a memorable fourth-place finish at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ and a title triumph at the 2011 CONMEBOL Copa America in Argentina.
Today's generation of Uruguay players are now aiming to make waves at World Cup 2026. Marcelo Bielsa, who was appointed head coach of the Uruguayan national team three years ago, saw his side book their berth at this year’s showpiece on the penultimate matchday of the South American qualifiers courtesy of a 3-0 victory over Peru.
They will be vying to vanquish their demons after a disappointing showing at Qatar 2022, where they crashed out after the group stage. El Loco is gearing up for a third World Cup campaign in the dugout, having led Argentina at the global showpiece in 2002 and Chile at the edition held eight years later. The master tactician got his tenure off to a flying start as he ushered in a change of fortunes.
While there was a drop-off in Uruguay’s performances, they battled to an impressive draw against England at Wembley on Friday, with star man Federico Valverde netting a late equaliser.
In an exclusive FIFA interview, Gargano assessed Bielsa's tenure to date, discussed Uruguay's tactical approach and paid tribute to in-form captain Valverde.
FIFA: How do you assess Marcelo Bielsa’s time in charge?
Walter Gargano: I think he’s a good fit for Uruguay. There are some very young players in the squad who he’s able to get the best out of. He always wants his teams to be at the top of their game, so it’s no coincidence that he’s done really well wherever he’s been.
At the World Cup, do Uruguay have to stick to a certain playing style or can they adapt based on Bielsa’s blueprint and the players' attributes?
I don’t think we should put all of the responsibility on Bielsa’s shoulders. I think it’s down to the players too. They have an opportunity to experience an event as big, beautiful and unique as the World Cup, so while they should enjoy it, they have to try to perform to their best.
Bielsa is trying to squeeze every last drop out of them in the quest to make them into world champions. I know it’s a tall order, but, as a Uruguayan, all I dream of is for the squad, the coach and everyone else involved to achieve that objective. I have great respect for Marcelo. I think he’s a football legend, and he’s admired by many of the coaches I hold in high regard.
What was Oscar Tabarez’s leadership style like?
He always treated us like family, which I think was the most important thing for us as a group. When we meet up, like when we get the chance to attend an event together, it’s as if we’ve never been away from each other. There’s a really wonderful sense of harmony, just like at a family reunion. I think that togetherness explains why everyone was so fond of that team.
Why did the team get off to such a good start under Bielsa and then hit a bit of a sticky patch?
The side came out on top in some away fixtures we hadn’t won in years [Uruguay beat Argentina in Buenos Aires, amongst other triumphs]. I have nothing but praise for Bielsa and the Uruguay players. I think he’ll be a real asset to the national team. He deserves nothing short of admiration.
What do you make of the job Federico Valverde is doing as captain of the current squad?
I don’t think it’s all that important who wears the armband. What matters is their attitude and the way they go about things and act as a role model. I think he’s doing a fantastic job. He always sets an example without making any fuss and doesn’t do a lot of talking. However, when he does speak, he’s not afraid to give his opinion.
That says a lot about what Federico Valverde is like, not just as a player but also as a person. He’s doing really well. I think he and many of his team-mates are in their prime. I think that’ll help him and the whole squad to realise that they’re ready and have reached that great stage where they’re able to fight for every target they set themselves.