El Loco is back! Argentina's Bielsa named Uruguay coach

The Uruguay national team have appointed former Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa as head coach. The 67-year-old Argentine will be tasked with taking them to the 2026 World Cup.

Bielsa, who was sacked by Leeds United in February last year, takes over from Diego Alonso following a disappointing World Cup campaign which culminated in La Celeste exiting the group stage.

"The man from Rosario will take the reins of the squad after his tenure at Leeds, a club which he managed between June 2018 and February 2022," a statement released by Uruguay's football association said

Bielsa will be presented to the media on Wednesday.

Bielsa has enjoyed a long career in football management, coaching a dozen teams including his native Argentina, Chile, Athletic Bilbao, Marseille, Lille and most recently Premier League outfit Leeds.

The highly respected tactician in football circles is revered in Leeds for taking them back into England's top flight and executing some exciting, attractive brand of football to the Yorkshire based faithful.

El Loco was in charge of Leeds for 170 games , winning 81 of those and returning the club to the Premier League in 2020 following a 16-year absence from the English top-flight.