Diego Forlán joins Uruguay coaching staff, to interim manage senior team

Diego Forlán, the celebrated former Uruguayan footballer, is returning to the national team in a coaching capacity. The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) announced that Forlán will join the coaching staff as an assistant for both the U-20 and the senior national teams.

In addition to his assistant role, Forlán will temporarily take the helm of the senior team. This interim position comes as the AUF seeks a permanent successor to Marcelo Bielsa. The announcement was made via the AUF's social media channels, culminating a series of posts signaling Forlán's return to the Celeste.

Joining Forlán on the coaching staff will be fellow ex-footballer Diego 'Ruso' Pérez, who will also serve as an assistant. Santiago Espasandín is another assistant coach, while Marco Mansulino will handle physical preparation, Ignacio Bordad will coach goalkeepers, and Gabriel Skrilec will be the video analyst.

'Ruso' Pérez brings significant experience, having played for Uruguay from 2001 to 2014, earning 89 caps. He was part of the 2011 Copa América-winning squad alongside Forlán and represented Uruguay in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. Post-retirement, Pérez was part of the coaching staff that led Uruguay to the U-20 World Cup title in 2023.

Forlán himself has an extensive playing career, including stints with clubs like Villarreal, Atlético de Madrid, Manchester United, and Inter Milan. As a coach, he previously managed Peñarol and Atenas. He will now guide the U-20 team in their quest for the 2027 World Cup, starting with the South American championship in January-February. His first match with the senior team as interim manager will be against Japan on September 24.