Uruguay's new boss: Diego Forlán

A new era has officially begun for the Uruguay national team. The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) announced Diego Forlán, a legendary figure of the country's football, as the national team's new head coach. The 47-year-old will combine the role with the U-20 national team job and will be in charge of both sides until March.

The appointment came as the result of the search carried out following the end of the Marcelo Bielsa era. After Uruguay's early exit from the World Cup, the federation had begun working on a new structure. According to reports, paths did not cross with another strong candidate, Marcelo Broli; while the coach who won the 2023 U-20 World Cup presented a long-term project, the AUF, heading into federation elections in April, was not keen on a long-term contract and opted for a short-term solution.

The calendar ahead of Forlán is also clear. The senior national team will play a total of eight friendlies: two each in September, October and November this year, and two more in March next year. Former international Diego Pérez is expected to serve as an assistant on the experienced figure's coaching staff, while fitness coaches Diego Estavillo and Santiago Ferro are expected to remain in the structure.

Having earned 112 caps and scored 36 goals for Uruguay in his playing career, Forlán carried his team to the semifinal at the 2010 World Cup, winning the Golden Ball awarded to the tournament's best player. The legendary striker, who played for clubs such as Manchester United, Villarreal, Atlético Madrid and Inter, previously coached Peñarol and Atenas in his managerial career. Forlán's goal will be to lay the foundations of a new generation on the road to the 2030 World Cup, part of which will be hosted in Uruguay.

Source: AUF
Image: Sportsnet