Marcelo Bielsa has agreed to take over as the new head coach of the Uruguayan national team. His first matches are likely to be against Nicaragua and Cuba in June.

The former Leeds United manager is expected to sign a contract until the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine is expected in Montevideo in the coming days to sign the contract and complete the formalities related to the position. A total agreement is in place for the job, and only his signature is missing to formalise the deal.

Marcelo Bielsa to become new Uruguay head coach until 2026 World Cup

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Bielsa has managed the Argentina national team from 1998 to 2004, and Chile from 2007 to 2011. He won a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics during his time in charge of Argentina. At the club level, he has taken charge of Español, Athletic Bilbao, Marseille and Lille.

But his best achievement, arguably, was guiding Leeds United back to the Premier League after over a decade away. He has been without a job since February 2022, when he was sacked by the Yorkshire club. But he is now set to return to management with Uruguay.

At the 2022 World Cup, they were eliminated at the group stage, and are now looking to change their fortune considering the kind of quality they have in their squad. And Marcelo Bielsa could prove to be a shrewd appointment, if things work out when he takes charge.