Diego Forlán, previously a forward for Manchester United, is set to step in as the interim head coach of Uruguay following Marcelo Bielsa’s departure after a disappointing World Cup showing.
La Celeste exited the tournament during the group phase, managing only two draws across three matches, with Bielsa accepting responsibility for the underwhelming outcomes and performances amid reports of unrest within the squad.
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Ignacio Alonso, president of the Uruguayan Football Federation (AUF), informed Teledoce television that the 47-year-old former striker is eager to embrace the opportunity, with a deal expected to be finalized within hours.
Forlán netted 36 goals in 112 appearances for his country, most notably spearheading Uruguay’s charge to the 2010 World Cup semi-finals, a performance that earned him the Golden Boot. He stepped away from international duty in 2014. Forlán will hold the position on an interim basis until March 2027 and will also oversee the under-20 outfit.
Forlán, whose playing career included stints at Villarreal, Atlético Madrid and Inter among others, has only two previous coaching roles on his résumé: a spell with Uruguayan top-tier club Peñarol in 2020 and a second-division side, Atenas, the following year.
During his time on the pitch, Forlán endured two largely underwhelming campaigns at Old Trafford before enjoying a more productive period in Spain.
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