'It's a privilege' - Diego Forlan on getting to coach Uruguay
La Celeste won just one out of their last nine games
The Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan is all set to host India’s final fixture in the FIFA September-October International Window when two-time world champions Uruguay take on the Blue Tigers.
After a disastrous campaign in the FIFA World Cup 2026, where Uruguay were eliminated in the group stages for the second consecutive time, Diego Forlán took over the reins, succeeding former Argentine and Leeds United gaffer Marco Bielsa.
Under Biesla, La Celeste had a brilliant start, winning away games against Brazil and Argentina, but eventually failed to win a single game at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Two draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde and a defeat to Spain in the final game saw Uruguay bow out of the World Cup in the group stages.
Diego Forlan took over the reins at a difficult time, but rather than complaining much, he feels it’s a privilege to coach the Uruguay national team. Forlan’s Uruguay succumbed to a 3-1 defeat to Japan in the opening game before getting the better of South Korea 4-1 in the last game.
Diego Forlan visits India after a decade
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The Uruguayan legend, who has donned the jerseys of several top clubs like Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan, made a move to Mumbai City FC in the final days of his playing career. During his stint with the Islanders, he impressed a lot and propelled Alexandre Guimaraes’ side to the playoffs.
His final game in India ended in heartbreak after Forlan was sent off at Rabindra Sarobar Stadium in Kolkata in the first leg of the ISL semi-finals. The red card changed everything, and Jose Molina’s ATK went on to win the semi-final 3-2 on aggregate.
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“I was disappointed because I think if I hadn’t been sent off in that game, we would have won. We played them a couple of times and won quite well. We were the best team at the end of the league stage.” said Forlan as quoted by TOI.
“It’s a privilege to coach Uruguay, regardless of the circumstances. I don’t know if it’s the right time. I had the opportunity and I took it up. Uruguay is a great national team, with great players, and till I am the coach, I will try to enjoy every game.”
Forlan feels experience helps him to understand players better
Uruguayan football are going through turbulent times, and Forlan feels that his experience will be crucial to understanding the players better. Forlan has represented Uruguay on over 100 occasions, won the Copa America in 2011 and was also awarded the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball in 2010.
Just because I won the Golden Ball, it does not mean that everything I say or do will be correct,” says Forlan. “I’m human, and I know things are right and wrong. I try to use common sense (while coaching). I work with the players, try to have a good group, and enjoy what they are doing.”
“Of course, as a manager, I will have a way of playing, a way of trying to do things. As a former player, the advantage is experience. You know how to use your experience because you understand players better. You know everything. It’s important to use common sense.”
Forlan feels Uruguayan football must keep adapting with time
The Uruguayan trio of Forlan, Suarez and Cavani threatened opposition defence for years. Uruguay’s attack lacked that flair in the World Cup, and now the onus will be on young strikers like Darwin Nunez and Giorgian De Arrascaeta to score a lot of goals for La Celeste.
“People talk about the way we play, but I think sometimes it’s a little bit mistaken. It’s not that we are rough; it’s the way we play till the end of the game; it doesn’t matter who we are up against. We know every game will be very difficult, but we will make it even more difficult for our opponents. That’s how we play. That’s the spirit we carry on the field.”
“I enjoyed playing with them, and as a Uruguayan fan, I enjoyed watching them with the national team, scoring many goals in different World Cups,” says Forlan.
“Now, we don’t have to think about how we can fill the gap (after their retirement). In life, nobody will stay forever. We need to adapt; see that life doesn’t stop with someone.”
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