Uruguay appoint Forlan as head coach after World Cup debacle

Uruguayan football legend Diego Forlan has announced his decision to become the interim head coach of the national team. The 47-year-old striker will take charge of Uruguay's senior squad for their upcoming friendlies this autumn, before a permanent manager is appointed towards the end of 2023 or early 2027. This move follows fellow Argentine Marcelo Bielsa stepping down as head coach after Uruguay's disappointing early exit from the 2022 World Cup tournament.

Forlan will also assume the role of coach for Uruguay's Under-20 team, working alongside the senior first team. Bielsa, who had previously led Uruguay from May 2023, achieved a 15-24 record during his tenure. However, after the team's disappointing World Cup campaign, the 70-year-old Argentine coach stated that his time with the national team had yielded no lasting impact.

Forlan is no stranger to international football. He scored 36 goals in 112 appearances for Uruguay and was awarded the Golden Ball after leading the team to the 2010 World Cup semi-finals in South Africa. The former Manchester United player retired from international football in March 2015, having previously played for 10 clubs. His most notable stints in club football included spells at Spanish giants Villarreal and Atlético Madrid.