Uruguay legend Diego Forlan replaces Bielsa as nation's manager on interim basis

Uruguay suffered a shocking group-stage exit under Bielsa, who suffered back-to-back draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde before a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the final clash. 

Following such a dire summer campaign, the Uruguayan Football Association has since announced on Sunday that Forlan has been appointed interim head coach of La Celeste, after the resignation of Marcelo Bielsa. 

The Uruguayan Football Association said Forlan’s initial contract will run until March 2027 and his role will also include the 2027 South American U20 Championship where he will hone the country’s next phase of talented stars. 

Forlan starred for Manchester United, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid and Internacional during his legendary career, which also saw him become the third all-time leading scorer with 36 goals and an icon of the country’s memorable 2010 World Cup run. 

Forlan interestingly started his first managerial job in December 2019, when he was unveiled as Penarol’s new boss, but his reign only lasted 11 games as he picked up just four wins before being sacked. 

He was then brought in by Atenas six months later but was ruthlessly sacked by the Uruguayan second-tier side despite only losing just three of his 12 games in charge.