Forlán takes Uruguay to face Argentina as interim coach

Forlán's Argentine roots run deep

Diego Forlán made his debut for Independiente on October twenty-fifth, nineteen ninety-eight, in a one one draw with Argentinos at Ferro under César Luis Menotti, who became his mentor and friend.

Menotti shaped Forlán's future

When Forlán visited Peñarol's Los Aromos complex as an eleven year old in nineteen ninety, Menotti told him to play as a striker, not a lateral. Eight years later, Menotti directed him at Independiente.

“Nada de jugar de lateral y correr todo el día, no: de nueve.”

Forlán's three greatest coaches

At forty-seven, Forlán ranks Menotti, Ferguson and Tabárez above all others. He debuted under Menotti, started his European career under Ferguson, and spent many years with Tabárez in the national team.

A World Cup peak in South Africa

Forlán played one hundred twelve matches and scored thirty-six goals for Uruguay across twelve years. He won Copa América in Argentina twenty eleven and finished fourth at the twenty ten World Cup in South Africa.

Golden Ball at the World Cup

Forlán won the Balón de Oro as the best player at the twenty ten World Cup in South Africa, where Uruguay finished fourth and he formed a perfect partnership with Juan Román Riquelme.

Riquelme was his ideal partner

Forlán called Riquelme one of his best teammates on the pitch. He also praised Van Nistelrooy at Manchester United, Agüero at Atlético, and Suárez and Cavani with Uruguay.

“Riquelme fue uno de los mejores socios en la cancha.”

Forlán takes over as interim coach

At forty-seven, Forlán became Uruguay's interim coach in August twenty twenty-six, replacing Marcelo Bielsa. He will face Argentina at La Bombonera on Friday in a friendly match.

Strong start in Asia

Forlán's debut tour took Uruguay to Asia in late September and early October.Uruguay lost three one to Japan but beat South Korea four one and India six one in the first post-World Cup FIFA date.

Federico Valverde leads the squad

Forlán called up twenty-eight players for friendlies against Argentina and República Dominicana. Federico Valverde heads the squad, with Rodrigo Bentancur of Tottenham and Darwin Núñez also included.

Núñez returns to form with Uruguay

Darwin Núñez, the Al-Diriyah striker, ended a long goal drought with the Celeste during the Asia tour. Joaquín Piquerez, a key Palmeiras piece heading to the Copa Libertadores final, also returns.

New face: Bruno Damiani

Bruno Damiani, a twenty-four year old forward from Philadelphia Union in the MLS, is the squad's new addition. Forlán is the third all-time leading scorer for Uruguay behind Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani.

Forlán's future decided in March

Forlán will also coach Uruguay's Under twenty team at the South American Championship in Colombia in January and February.The AUF will decide whether to make him permanent coach after the March twenty twenty-seven FIFA date.

Following Scaloni's path

Uruguay follows the model Argentina used with Lionel Scaloni. If results and team chemistry work, Forlán's continuation is not ruled out, much as Scaloni was kept on after early success.