Diego Forlan: 'It's a privilege' to coach Uruguay ahead of India match
Diego Forlan said on October 5, 2026: "It’s a privilege to coach Uruguay, regardless of the circumstances," ahead of his side's visit to the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan for India’s final fixture in the FIFA September-October international window. He assumed the national team job after Uruguay's exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026, succeeding former Argentine coach Marco Bielsa.
Uruguay were eliminated in the group stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026 for the second consecutive tournament after two draws — against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde — and a defeat to Spain in the final game. Under Marco Bielsa, La Celeste had earlier recorded away wins against Brazil and Argentina, but failed to win a single game at the World Cup. Those World Cup results prompted the change of leadership that brought Forlan into the role.
Forlan’s first matches in charge produced mixed results: Uruguay lost 3-1 to Japan in the opening game and defeated South Korea 4-1 in the final fixture. The new coach took over at a difficult moment for the national side, and the Japan and South Korea results were the initial tests of his tenure. Those matches form part of the immediate context ahead of the friendly in Kolkata.
As a player, Forlan wore the shirts of Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan before moving late in his career to Mumbai City FC. During his spell with the Islanders he impressed and helped Alexandre Guimaraes’ side reach the playoffs. His final match in India ended in controversy after he was sent off at Rabindra Sarobar Stadium in Kolkata in the first leg of the ISL semi-finals; the red card, Forlan said, "changed everything," and Jose Molina’s ATK went on to win the semi-final 3-2 on aggregate.
Reflecting on that incident, Forlan told TOI: "I was disappointed because I think if I hadn’t been sent off in that game, we would have won. We played them a couple of times and won quite well. We were the best team at the end of the league stage." He has also emphasised humility and practicality in his coaching approach, saying: "Just because I won the Golden Ball, it does not mean that everything I say or do will be correct," says Forlan. "I’m human, and I know things are right and wrong. I try to use common sense (while coaching). I work with the players, try to have a good group, and enjoy what they are doing."
Forlan’s international résumé includes more than 100 appearances for Uruguay, a Copa America title in 2011 and the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball award in 2010. He added: "Of course, as a manager, I will have a way of playing, a way of trying to do things. As a former player, the advantage is experience. You know how to use your experience because you understand players better. You know everything. It’s important to use common sense."
On attacking options, the article notes the era when Forlan, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani regularly troubled defences, and says Uruguay's forward line lacked similar cutting edge at the World Cup. The source names Darwin Nunez and Giorgian De Arrascaeta as the younger players who will now bear responsibility to "score a lot of goals for La Celeste." Forlan commented on the team's style: "People talk about the way we play, but I think sometimes it’s a little bit mistaken. It’s not that we are rough; it’s the way we play till the end of the game; it doesn’t matter who we are up against. We know every game will be very difficult, but we will make it even more difficult for our opponents. That’s how we play. That’s the spirit we carry on the field." He added: "I enjoyed playing with them, and as a Uruguayan fan, I enjoyed watching them with the national team, scoring many goals in different World Cups. Now, we don’t have to think about how we can fill the gap (after their retirement). In life, nobody will stay forever. We need to adapt; see that life doesn’t stop with someone."
Uruguay will meet India at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan as part of India's final fixture in the FIFA September-October International Window, the next confirmed match for Forlan's side. Forlan has said he accepted the opportunity and will try to enjoy every game while he remains coach.