Former Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa tasted victory on what was his first managerial game in 16 months. The Argentine was appointed as manager of the Uruguay national team last month. It was his first post since departing Elland Road in February 2022.
And his first outing went according to plan as Uruguay, 16th in the FIFA world rankings, swept aside Nicaragua in a friendly fixture in Montevideo running out 4-1 winners.
Bielsa's side were 2-0 up at the break thanks to goals from Matías Arezo and Rodrigo Zalazar. Brian Rodríguez made it 3-0 just before the hour before Zalazar notched his second late on. There was time for a scant consolation for their Central American opponents with Luis Coronel netting in stoppage time.
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Bielsa's side are next in action on Wednesday when they face Cuba in another warm-up game.
'El Loco' will always hold a special place in the hearts of Leeds United fans, after he guided the Whites back to the Premier League back in 2020. His fast-attacking football was not just enjoyed by fans of the Elland Road side, but by anybody who watched the Premier League.
They finished ninth in their first season back before a poor run of form the following year resulted in him being sacked. Whilst replacement Jesse Marsch was able to preserve their safety on the final day of the 2021-22 season, the next campaign was a disaster with multiple coaches at the helm and the team unable to stave off relegation to the Championship after three years away.
