Marcelo Gallardo set to leave River Plate: “The journey has been extraordinary”
Visibly moved at a press conference alongside club officials, Gallardo announced that he will leave after eight-and-a-half years in charge.
Just hours after River Plate’s fourth win in a row that secured qualification for the Copa Libertadores 2023, the club have been hit with some major news. Head coach Marcelo Gallardo has decided to put an end to his reign in charge of the Argentinian giants.
Gallardo called a press conference at midday this afternoon at the Estadio Monumental, where he gave a brief message with special thanks to his team, and the fans who have supported him in his time at the club.
“It’s one of the most difficult decisions of my life,” admitted the two-time Copa Libertadores winning coach, who was accompanied by president Jorge Brito, his vice-president Matias Patanian and technical secretary Enzo Francescoli.
Club legend leaving River
With a lump in his throat, one of River Plate’s greatest idols took stock of his time in the dugout: “Beyond the sadness, I have an inner peace that makes me feel good about myself. I’m very proud of the road I’ve travelled. We have experienced some great things over the years.
“The time we have dedicated all these years to our beloved club has been beautiful. But everything has an end. I think it’s time to close a beautiful and very valuable cycle,” he added.
Message for River supporters
The most emotional moment of his speech was when he was on the verge of tears mentioning the River supporters: “I want to thank the fans for every little tribute they have paid me. It will be an unforgettable memory for me. I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart.
“Sunday will be my last game at the Monumental. It has been a beautiful story,” he concluded.
Gallardo’s record with River
Gallardo took over as head coach in June 2014 and since then has won 14 titles. He was in charge of 422 matches, with a record of 227 wins, 111 draws and 84 defeats.