Diego Forlan appointed Uruguay head coach and Under-20 boss after World Cup exit
Uruguay's football association named 47-year-old former striker Diego Forlan as head coach of both the senior men's and Under-20 national teams, the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) confirmed on Thursday after the side failed to progress beyond the group stage of the FIFA World Cup. Forlan replaces Marcelo Bielsa, whose contract concluded following the tournament.
Bielsa's spell ended after Uruguay were eliminated from a group that contained Cabo Verde, Spain and Saudi Arabia, gaining only two draws and suffering a defeat to Spain which resulted in their exit. The Argentine coach later admitted he had "fallen short of transforming a gifted squad into genuine contenders," and Uruguayan media reports suggested his relationship with sections of the dressing room had deteriorated during the competition.
The AUF said in a statement: "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."
Forlan will begin work immediately. He will initially take charge of the Under-20 squad. He will later assume wider responsibilities with the senior team as part of Uruguay's rebuilding plans.
One of the country's greatest footballers, Forlan earned 112 international caps and played a pivotal role in Uruguay's triumph at the 2011 Copa America. He retired from playing in 2019.
Forlan won the Golden Ball during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He scored five goals at that tournament and helped Uruguay to a fourth-place finish. His volley against Germany was selected as the best goal of the tournament.
Since hanging up his boots in 2019, he has managed domestic clubs Pearol and Atenas, gaining coaching experience ahead of this assignment. Those roles are cited as preparation for his return to the national setup.
His first fixtures in charge are expected to come during Uruguay's scheduled international friendlies between September and November. These matches will provide Forlan the opportunity to work with both the Under-20s and the senior squad as he implements the AUF's rebuilding plans.
