The 67-year-old took charge of La Celeste for the first time on Wednesday evening, presiding over a 4-1 victory against Nicaragua.
Goals from Matias Arezo, Rodrigo Zalazar (2) and Brian Rodriguez ensured Bielsa’s return to the dugout was a successful one. The team will face Cuba in another friendly match next week as the Argentine assesses the options within his national talent pool.
Bielsa’s first major tournament appearance will take place 12 months from now, when Uruguay compete at the 2024 Copa America which is scheduled to be held in the United States.
Images from yesterday evening’s Nicaragua friendly show Bielsa bellowing from the touchline, indicating the 2019/20 Championship winner has not lost his appetite for the game after 16 months away.
The country’s Under-20 squad were paraded ahead of kick-off following their triumphant performance across the border in Argentina this month. Los Charruas defeated Italy 1-0 in the World Cup Final to clinch a first title at that particular age group.
Bielsa is expected to draw on the likes of Under-20 skipper Fabricio Diaz in future senior squads.

7. No need for a translator
Bielsa delivers instructions to Uruguay substitute Thiago Borbas (Photo by Ernesto Ryan/Getty Images) Photo: Ernesto Ryan

8. Celebrate
Uruguay's midfielder Brian Rodríguez celebrates after scoring a goal (Photo by EITAN ABRAMOVICH/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: EITAN ABRAMOVICH

9. Good to be back
Marcelo Bielsa head coach of Uruguay looks on during an his side's 4-1 win over Nicaragua (Photo by Ernesto Ryan/Getty Images) Photo: Ernesto Ryan

10. Bielsaball
Rodrigo Zalazar of Uruguay celebrates after scoring the second goal of the game (Photo by Ernesto Ryan/Getty Images) Photo: Ernesto Ryan

11. National anthems
Bielsa bows his head in the dugout as the national anthems are played before kick-off (Photo by Ernesto Ryan/Getty Images) Photo: Ernesto Ryan

12. International acclaim
Young fans battle to catch a glimpse of the revered coach (Photo by Ernesto Ryan/Getty Images) Photo: Ernesto Ryan

