Forlan Expects Short Tenure As Uruguay Manager

MONTEVIDEO, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Former striker Diego Forlan said on Monday he was unlikely to remain Uruguay's manager on a permanent basis after taking charge on an interim basis, reported Xinhua.

The 47-year-old succeeds Marcelo Bielsa, who departed after the team's failure to reach the knockout stage of this year's FIFA World Cup.

“This interim situation has come about. For me it's a real privilege to be there, alongside the best players we have in Uruguayan football,” Forlan told reporters.

“Being at the helm, leading the players and being able to contribute the experience one has is an enormous privilege.”

The Uruguayan Football Association is scheduled to hold its presidential election early next year, and the former striker does not envisage remaining in the role after the vote.

“Thinking beyond March is difficult,” said Forlan, who is also in charge of Uruguay's under-20 national team.

He outlined plans to promote youth during his tenure, which is due to begin with a friendly against Japan on September 24.

“The good thing is that there's healthy competition, and those young players who have a lot of talent and potential will have to make a greater effort, and that raises the overall level of the national team,” he added.

Forlan scored 36 goals in 112 games for Uruguay over a career that included spells at Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Milan, among other clubs.

He won the Golden Ball as the best player at the 2010 World Cup after scoring five goals to help Uruguay reach the semifinals.

Forlan's coaching experience includes spells in charge of Uruguayan clubs Penarol and Atenas.

-- BERNAMA-XINHUA