Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Forlan Says Common Sense Is Key to Coaching Uruguay
Diego Forlan is temporarily coaching Uruguay’s senior football team.
He says having played football helps him understand what players need.
But he says a coach also needs common sense, and being a famous player does not make every decision right.
Forlan also coaches Uruguay’s under-20 team.
Before playing India, Uruguay lost to Japan and beat South Korea in friendly matches.
Forlan says Uruguay should not depend forever on older stars Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.
He believes other players can help the team.
He has not set a long-term goal and says he will see what opportunities come next.
Interim Uruguay coach Diego Forlan said playing experience can help managers understand players, but common sense is essential.
Forlan took over from Marcelo Bielsa in August and also coaches Uruguay’s under-20 team.
Uruguay lost 3-1 to Japan and beat South Korea 4-1 in friendlies before facing India in Calcutta.
Forlan said he hopes to enjoy working with the senior team through March and has not set a long-term target.
He said Uruguay must move forward from Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, citing Darwin Nunez, Federico Viñas and other players as options.
- Who
- Diego Forlan, interim coach of Uruguay’s senior national team and coach of its under-20 team.
- What
- Forlan discussed his coaching approach, Uruguay’s changing team, and his short-term coaching plans.
- When
- He took over in August; Uruguay’s friendly against India was scheduled for Tuesday, with two more senior-team matches planned for November and two for March.
- Where
- The interview was reported from Calcutta; Uruguay’s match against India was scheduled at Salt Lake Stadium.
- Why
- Forlan said experience and common sense help a coach guide players, and Uruguay must adapt as former stars move on.
Forlan’s perspective
Alternative considerations
Coaching experience
Forlan’s perspective
Forlan said experience as a player can help a manager understand what is good for players, but common sense is crucial.
Alternative considerations
He also cautioned that past playing success does not guarantee a coach’s decisions will be correct.
Team continuity
Forlan’s perspective
Forlan praised the stability Uruguay had under Oscar Tabarez and said changes in leadership can make things more difficult.
Alternative considerations
He noted that professional football results matter, and described how Tabarez’s early period was difficult and he was nearly sacked.
Replacing veteran strikers
Forlan’s perspective
Forlan said Uruguay should adapt rather than try to fill the exact gap left by Suarez and Cavani, pointing to younger options.
Alternative considerations
He did not name a direct opposing view; his comments acknowledge that the team must move on from two leading former strikers.
- Current role
- Interim head coach of Uruguay’s senior team; also coaches the under-20 team
- Appointment
- Took over from Marcelo Bielsa in August
- Recent friendlies
- Uruguay lost 3-1 to Japan and beat South Korea 4-1
- Upcoming match
- Uruguay was scheduled to play India at Salt Lake Stadium on Tuesday
- Short-term schedule
- Forlan mentioned two more senior-team games in November and two in March
- Previous coaching opportunity
- Forlan said he would welcome the chance to continue through the 2030 World Cup
- Former Uruguay strikers discussed
- Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani