Uruguay are reportedly weighing up a move for former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa in the wake of their emotional exit from the World Cup.
The South Americans were heavily tipped to advance into the tournament's knockout phase but were left scrapping to secure qualification from Group H during a final-day showdown with Ghana.
A stunning first-half brace from Giorgian De Arrascaeta was enough to seal a 2-0 win for Uruguay, but South Korea pipped them to second spot in the group after fighting back to clinch a remarkable 2-1 win over Portugal - sparking ugly scenes at the Al Janoub Stadium as the likes of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani reacted to their premature exit from the tournament.
And as the dust settles on an underwhelming campaign, a fresh report from TyC Sports has claimed that Uruguay boss Diego Alonso's position is in jeopardy; and Bielsa could be in line for a return to football if the South Americans decide to make a change.
Bielsa has been out of work since he was dismissed by Leeds back in March. The 67-year-old was idolised at Elland Road but the club hierarchy decided to install Jesse Marsch in a bid to secure survival after a string of poor results.
Bielsa was heavily linked to the Bournemouth vacancy last month, but the Cherries instead appointed interim boss Gary O'Neill on a permanent basis after he impressed during his temporary reign.
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If Uruguay do opt to dismiss Alonso and pursue Bielsa, then the veteran has an almighty job on his hand to lift a nation distraught by their shock elimination.
News of South Korea's late winner against Portugal reached Suarez, who had already been taken off. The former Liverpool and Barcelona star was in floods of tears on the bench - and he expressed his anger and disappointment at Uruguay's elimination after the match.
"I feel sadness and disappointment," Suarez told TeleDoce. "My son is also leaving the stadium with the image of that sadness, so for a father it is difficult, but he has to face the situation that he has."
The match was marred by ugly scenes after Uruguay were denied two penalties by referee Daniel Siebert. Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez was brought down in the box and Siebert was instructed by VAR to review his original decision on the pitch-side monitor after waving for play to continue.
Siebert stuck with his original call - and ignored another shout late on when Cavani also went down in the Ghana penalty area.
An emotional Suarez added: "I see a penalty for Cavani because he is cut off by the defender and he puts his body in front of him. Darwin's is very clear too. They are not excuses, but incredible penalties are being awarded in this World Cup. And there is the committee of referees and FIFA, and they have to try to explain themselves better, at least."
