Saudi Pro League champion Al-Ittihad appoints Argentine Gallardo as manager

Gallardo returns to management after leaving River Plate last year following an eight-year spell that saw him guide the team to 14 titles, including two Copa Libertadores, making him the club’s most successful coach.

FILE PHOTO: Marcelo Gallardo during his last match as River Plate coach against Rosario Central in 2022. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Saudi champion Al-Ittihad has named Argentine Marcelo Gallardo as coach through to 2025 following the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo, the club said on Saturday.

Gallardo returns to management after leaving River Plate last year following an eight-year spell that saw him guide the team to 14 titles, including two Copa Libertadores, making him the club’s most successful coach.

“The Board of Directors of Al-Ittihad announces the signing of a new coaching staff, led by the Argentinian Marcelo Gallardo, to coach the football first team with a contract extending for a year and a half,” the club said.

Al-Ittihad is fifth in the Saudi Pro League having won only once in its last five games.

It also slumped to a 2-0 loss at Air Force Club in its last Asian Champions League match, though it still leads Group C with nine points from four games against seven for the Iraqis.