[Sport] Marcelo Gallardo, one step away from directing again: they assure that he will accept the offer from Al-Ittihad of Benzema and Kanté

[FNX Magokiler]

The wait could be over for Marcelo Gallardo. The winningest coach in the history of River Plate would have planned his return to football almost a year after his farewell to the Núñez club. According to the Saudi Arabian media Ariyadhiah, the Doll is the one chosen by the Al-Ittihad board and could become the coach of that club.

Sources linked to Gallardo's environment confirmed to Infobae that negotiations with the Arab club "are advanced", but they have not yet confirmed that the deal is closed. The situation for the landing of the former millionaire coach would have accelerated after the Spanish Julen Lopetegui gave up directing the team that has Karin Benzema as its biggest star, since his intention is to command a Premier League club in England.

For its part, from the Argentine media TyC Sports they indicated that, pending his arrival in Saudi Arabia - it could take place during the weekend after his trip -, the 47-year-old coach would sign a contract for the next 18 months if not last minute problems appear.

It is important to remember that during this year, Gallardo had several polls and received some offers to lead a team again. One of the firm proposals that River's former number 10 had came from France: Olympique de Marseille tempted him to join, but his response was negative.

 

 

These negotiations allow us to establish a precedent to handle the current issue with caution: rumors from France claimed that the Doll had accepted that offer from Marseille, but finally did not agree to the conditions.

Another of the offers he had came from Spain. Sevilla tempted him after the departure of José Luis Mendilibar, who although he had just won the Europa League with the Andalusian team, he did not have a good start in the Spanish league and was dismissed. To replace him, the one who finally arrived was the Uruguayan Diego Alonso. Something similar happened with Lyon, which has Nicolás Tagliafico in the squad. Polls, proposals or even rumors that have not come to fruition since November 13, 2022, when he permanently left the River Plate bench.

Since his farewell to the Millonario, the other clubs that were suggested as possible destinations for Gallardo were Paris Saint Germain and Monaco (he had a career as a footballer), Napoli, Leeds United and Villarreal, among other institutions. Beyond the polls, as it turned out, the negotiations did not advance and Marcelo preferred to continue enjoying his family and other activities outside of football, something that during his time as a coach he could not do because he was dedicated to his daily work.

 

https://www.infobae.com/deportes/2023/11/15/marcelo-gallardo-a-un-paso-de-volver-a-dirigir-aseguran-que-acepto-la-oferta-del-al-ittihad-de-benzema-y-kante/