Embarking on a journey to Saudi Arabia, the seasoned 47-year-old coach, Marcelo Gallardo, officially inked a compelling contract with Al-Ittihad. Being away from football this past year, Gallardo eagerly anticipates his return to the coaching arena, brimming with enthusiasm for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup scheduled for December.
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Having bid goodbye to River Plate after an illustrious eight and a half seasons, Gallardo commits to Al-Ittihad until June 2025, with the enticing prospect of a two-year extension.
🎥| New era, higher goals with Mr. Gallardo at the helm 🔝 pic.twitter.com/oxkjQ6oqJv
— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) November 18, 2023
Rejecting tempting offers from European powerhouses like Lyon, Olympique de Marseille, and Sevilla, Gallardo deliberately chose Al-Ittihad, driven by personal motives and the allure of navigating uncharted territories within the evolving landscape of football.
🗣️Marcelo Gallardo makes his first statement through the media center 💛
— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) November 21, 2023
In the wake of the departure of Portuguese tactician Nuno Espírito Santo, who secured the Saudi championship for Al-Ittihad last season, Gallardo assumes the mantle. This transition follows Espírito Santo’s exit due to a tumultuous start to the 2023/24 season and a heated altercation with star player Karim Benzema.
Gallardo y Benzema 🤝🏼😄 pic.twitter.com/g7DTxIQFBM
— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) November 20, 2023
As the current Saudi champions languish in fifth place in the domestic league, Gallardo and his team brace themselves for a challenging fixture against Al-Ettifaq on November 24th.
The Coaching Staff |
El Cuerpo Técnico 🐅 pic.twitter.com/uBDnacnJ6V— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) November 19, 2023
The pinnacle of their upcoming endeavors rests on the Club World Cup debut on December 12th, where they will clash with Auckland City in their home city of Jeddah. A potential clash with Fluminense in the semifinals adds an extra layer of intrigue, promising a test of mettle for Gallardo and his ambitious squad.
