Former Manchester United and Atletico Madrid forward Diego Forlan has been appointed head coach of Uruguay’s senior national team and its Under-20 squad, the country’s football association (AUF) announced on Thursday.
The 47-year-old steps in to replace Marcelo Bielsa, whose tenure concluded after a winless group-stage exit from the World Cup earlier this summer.
Forlan, a revered figure in Uruguayan football, will immediately begin his duties with the Under-20 team.
The AUF celebrated his return in a statement, saying: “Forlan returns to where he left an indelible mark. A role model, icon, and emblem of an unforgettable generation, the best player of the 2010 South Africa World Cup returns now to contribute his experience, leadership, and profound knowledge of international football from a technical position.”
This appointment forms a key part of Uruguay’s efforts to rebuild following Bielsa’s departure.
The Argentine coach left when his contract expired, acknowledging in a press conference that he had been unable to mould a talented squad into one capable of avoiding disappointment at the World Cup. Local media reports also highlighted tensions between Bielsa and some members of the squad during the tournament.
Uruguay began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia before being held to a 2-2 draw by tournaments debutants Cape Verde.
Heading into their final group game, Uruguay knew they needed a positive result against Spain to progress but slipped to a 1-0 defeat, with Agustin Canobbio sent off in injury time to compound their misery.
Spain went on to win the tournament, beating another South American nation, Argentina, 1-0 in the final, weeks after Uruguay had flown home following a bitterly disappointing campaign.
Forlan, who earned 112 caps for his country and helped Uruguay lift the 2011 Copa America title, retired from playing in 2019. In addition to spells at Manchester United and Atletico Madrid , he also played for Villarreal, Inter Milan and Japanese side Cerezo Osaka, among other clubs.
Since then, he has gained coaching experience with Uruguayan clubs Penarol and Atenas.
He is now set to take charge of Uruguay’s friendly matches scheduled between September and November.
