Former Leeds boss, Marcelo Bielsa, aged 67, has been named the new head coach of Uruguay's national team.

Bielsa had been without a managerial role for almost 15 months since departing from Leeds United.

The Uruguayan Football Association has officially announced his appointment on a contract that extends until the 2026 World Cup.

Leeds boss, Marcelo Bielsa

Bielsa takes over from Diego Alonso as the national team boss.

Alonso’s contract expired after the World Cup in Qatar earlier this season, where Uruguay suffered a shock group-stage exit.

Bielsa served as manager of Argentina from 1998 to 2004 and he also had a four-year stint in charge of Chile.

Bielsa guided Leeds back to the Premier League from the Championship in 2020 and was one of the most popular managers in the club’s history.

But he left in February last year following a run of four successive league defeats.

His lengthy managerial career has also included spells with Athletic Bilbao, Marseille and Lille.

Uruguay are currently 16th in FIFA’s world rankings, with Bielsa’s first major campaign at the helm set to be next year’s Copa America in the United States.

Marcelo Bielsa is an Argentine football manager who is widely regarded as one of the most influential and respected figures in the sport. He is renowned for his tactical innovation, attention to detail, and commitment to an intense, high-pressing style of play.

Bielsa took charge of Leeds United in June 2018 and had a transformative impact on the club during his tenure.

He instilled a strong work ethic and a distinct playing philosophy that earned him the admiration of both players and fans.

Under Bielsa's guidance, Leeds United achieved significant success. In the 2019-2020 season, the team secured the Championship title, earning promotion to the Premier League after a 16-year absence from the top flight of English football.

Bielsa's meticulous approach and tactical astuteness were instrumental in Leeds' promotion campaign.

Bielsa's coaching methods are known for their attention to detail, video analysis, and emphasis on physical fitness.

He is known to spend hours studying opponents' tactics and meticulously preparing his team for each match. Bielsa's relentless pursuit of perfection and his demand for hard work from his players have earned him a reputation as an uncompromising coach.

Beyond his success on the field, Bielsa is respected for his sportsmanship and dedication to fair play.

Notably, during a match against Aston Villa in April 2019, when Leeds scored a controversial goal while an opposition player was down injured, Bielsa instructed his team to allow Aston Villa to score unopposed in the ensuing restart—a gesture that showcased his integrity and respect for the spirit of the game.