Marcelo Bielsa ‘AGREES to become Uruguay coach’… with former Leeds and Argentina boss ‘charged with leading the country to the World Cup’ after landing his first national team job in more than 10 years
- Marcelo Bielsa reportedly agrees to become next Leeds United boss
- The Argentine will return to management for the first time in over a year
- Bielsa has apparently been tasked with leading Uruguay to the 2026 World Cup
Marcelo Bielsa is in line for a surprise return to international management as he reportedly prepares to take charge of a South American nation, but it’s not his homeland of Argentina.
The former Leeds United manager is apparently preparing to return to international management for the first time since 2011 after being approached by Uruguay to take charge.
Bielsa has agreed a two-year contract with Uruguay which will keep him in charge until after the World Cup qualifiers in September 2025, according to Cesar Luis Merlo, TYC journalist.
It is reported that there will be a discussion next whether Bielsa will stay for the 2026 World Cup which will be held in America, Mexico and Canada.
The 67-year-old tactician has been out of management for just over a year after quitting as head coach at Leeds in February 2022 following poor form.
Marcelo Bielsa reportedly agrees to become Uruguay’s next manager
Uruguay will benefit from Bielsa’s management style and pragmatic tactics
Bielsa was one of the Premier League’s most demanding coaches when in charge at Leeds
Bielsa was previously linked with a return to Premier League management with Everton in January and even returned to England for talks with the Toffees.
But he ultimately rejected the role as Everton instead decided to appoint Sean Dyche who is currently trying to steer them away from the top-flight relegation zone with a trip to Manchester United imminent on Saturday.
Bielsa has flirted with another stint in the dugout since leaving Leeds and will take charge of Uruguay for a third stint as international manager.
The 67-year-old has apparently been tasked with leading Uruguay to the 2026 World Cup
Uruguay hope Bielsa can guide them to a successful World Cup qualifying campaign
His first role in a national team dugout came in 1998 when he was picked to take over in Argentina. This appointment lasted six years before he finally left the post in 2004 after 74 matches in charge.
He then became Chile’s head coach in 2007, where he lasted four years and 51 matches as the country’s top decision-maker.
Bielsa will now be tasked with turning Uruguay into the formidable team they once were and will need to get the most out of Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde, Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez and Manchester United youngster Facundo Pellistri.
An official announcement on Bielsa’s new role is expected to be made in the coming days.