Gallardo steps down as River Plate manager-Xinhua

Gallardo steps down as River Plate manager

Source: Xinhua

Editor: huaxia

2026-02-24 13:03:45

BUENOS AIRES, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo tendered his resignation on Monday after a tumultuous second spell in charge of the Argentine club.

The 50-year-old said he would step down following River's home match against Banfield on Thursday. The club did not immediately name a replacement.

"I only have words of gratitude, especially to this great club and its people for the unconditional love throughout all these years, including in difficult moments like this one," Gallardo said in a video posted on the Buenos Aires side's website.

"Clearly things did not go as we planned. I am filled with emotion and pain in my soul for not achieving the objectives."

Gallardo, who represented River in three separate stints as a player, guided River to 37 wins, 27 draws and 21 losses after returning to the club in August 2024.

In his first spell as manager, which ran from June 2014 to December 2022, the former Argentina international midfielder oversaw two Copa Libertadores triumphs, a Copa Sudamericana crown and an Argentine league title.

River is currently 10th in Group A of Argentina's Apertura tournament with two wins from the first six games of the season.