Marcelo Bielsa ‘agrees to become Uruguay coach’

Marcelo Bielsa faces a surprise return to international management as he reportedly prepares to take charge of a South American nation, but it’s not his native 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 signed a two-year deal with Uruguay which is said to keep him in charge until after September 2025 World Cup qualifiers TYC reporter Cesar Luis Merlo.

It is reported that there will then be a discussion on whether Bielsa will remain in America, Mexico and Canada for the 2026 World Cup.

The 67-year-old tactician has been out of management for just over a year, having left his role as head coach at Leeds in February 2022 following poor form.

Bielsa had previously been linked with a move back into Premier League management at Everton in January and even flew back to England for talks with the Toffees.

But he eventually turned down the role as Everton opted instead to appoint Sean Dyche, who is currently trying to move them away from the top-flight relegation zone amid a trip to Manchester United on Saturday.

Bielsa has flirted with another stint in the managerial dugout since leaving Leeds and will take charge of Uruguay for a third stint as international coach.

His first role in a national team dugout came in 1998 when he was selected for Argentina. This appointment lasted six years before he finally left the role in 2004 after 74 games in charge.

He then joined Chile as head coach in 2007, where he was the nation’s key decision-maker for four years and 51 games.

Bielsa will now be tasked with turning Uruguay into the impressive team they once were and will need to get the best out of the likes of Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde, Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez and Manchester United youngster Facundo Pellistri.

An official announcement about Bielsa’s latest role is expected to come in the next few days.