Media report: Diego Forlán to take over as Uruguay's national team coach on an interim basis

Forlán has a special history with the Uruguayan national team. At the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, he led the team to the semi-finals, where they were eliminated by the Netherlands and then lost the third-place match against Germany 2:3. With five tournament goals, he was named the best player of the tournament – an award that has shaped his status as a national hero of Uruguay ever since.

Before his international career, Forlán played as a striker for Manchester United, among others. Alongside players such as Edinson Cavani, who was already part of the 2010 World Cup squad, he is one of the defining figures of Uruguayan football over the past two decades. Luis Suárez is also part of the wider circle of that golden generation.

The previous coach Marcelo Bielsa had stepped down from the post after Uruguay's latest group-stage exit at a World Cup. The separation was announced prior to the report about Forlán's appointment. "Marca" cites statements from a representative of the Uruguayan football association, Ignacio Alonso, for its information.

Bielsa leaves – the search begins

In addition to his role as head coach of the senior national team, Forlán is also to take charge of Uruguay's U-20 team in parallel, according to "Marca." This would see the former world-class striker take on two roles at the association simultaneously until a long-term solution is found.

The association did not want to officially confirm the personnel matter by the editorial deadline of the report. It therefore remains unclear whether Forlán will actually take a seat on the bench. The exact timing of a possible start date was also not specified in the report.

Dual role as senior and U-20 coach

Should the interim solution come about, it would be Forlán's first post as head coach of a senior national team. Until now, the 47-year-old had been active mainly as a player and in lower-level coaching roles. The coming months are considered crucial in setting the course for qualification for the next World Cup.

Uruguay's upcoming international matches are under particular scrutiny, as the association wants to make a fresh start following the disappointing performance at a World Cup. With Forlán as an interim solution, the association would be turning to a figure of identification who could stand for a turning point both in sporting and symbolic terms.