Forlan warns Uruguay not to be complacent ahead of India friendly in Kolkata

Uruguay coach Diego Forlan warned his players not to be complacent ahead of the international friendly against India in Kolkata on October 5, 2026, saying the hosts can hurt his side if afforded time and space.

Forlan made the comments at a press conference on Monday, the eve of the friendly, and said the Indian hosts deserve respect despite a perceived gulf in standard between the teams. “We know it’s going to be really difficult, but we always respect everybody,” Forlan said.

Uruguay enter the encounter following a 1-3 defeat to Japan and a 4-1 victory over South Korea, results the coach referenced when outlining his preparations for the match.

Addressing recovery and preparation after the Japan loss, Forlan said his squad have benefited from additional time to train and recuperate. “We have more days to work, more days to rest a little bit,” he said.

A former Mumbai City FC player in 2016, Forlan said he had been impressed by India’s display against Brazil and warned his players to guard against conceding space. “If you give them time and space, they can damage you and they can play well,” Forlan said.

Forlan also reiterated that Uruguay will approach the fixture with their customary competitive mindset, linking that approach to the nation’s playing traditions. “We try to continue that legacy, something that we felt as a player,” he said.

The coach’s comments framed Uruguay’s outlook for the friendly in Kolkata, with preparation and respect for the opponent the key themes he set out ahead of the match.