Montevideo, August 12: Former striker Diego Forlán has expressed that the likelihood of his interim role as Uruguay’s manager transitioning into a permanent position is slim. The 47-year-old took over from Marcelo Bielsa, who resigned after the team failed to progress beyond the knockout stage of this year’s FIFA World Cup.
Forlán stated to reporters, “This remains an interim position. It is truly a privilege for me to be here with some of Uruguay’s best footballers. Leading the team, guiding the players, and contributing my experience is a significant honor.”
According to a report by Xinhua, the Uruguay Football Association is set to hold elections for its presidency early next year, and Forlán does not anticipate remaining in this role post-voting. He remarked, “It’s difficult to think beyond March.” He is also responsible for the Uruguay Under-20 national team.
He outlined plans to promote youth during his tenure, starting with a friendly match against Japan on September 24. He noted, “The good thing is that there is healthy competition, and young players with great talent and potential must strive harder, which will elevate the overall level of the national team.”
Forlán scored 36 goals in 112 matches for Uruguay. His career includes stints with clubs like Manchester United, Atlético Madrid, and Inter Milan. He won the ‘Golden Ball’ as the best player at the 2010 World Cup, helping Uruguay reach the semifinals with five goals.
His coaching experience includes roles at Uruguayan clubs Peñarol and Atenas. Forlán began discussions with the Uruguay Football Association (AUF) about taking charge of the national team on an interim basis immediately after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to the Uruguayan newspaper ‘El País’, this decision was made after Bielsa stepped down following Uruguay’s exit from the group stage of the FIFA World Cup in June. Under this proposal, Forlán will oversee six friendly matches scheduled for September, October, and November, while also managing the Under-20 team. AUF President Ignacio Alonso stated that a permanent manager will be appointed by the end of the year or early next year.
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