Ecuador appoints Marcelo Gallardo as national team head coach
The Ecuadorian Football Federation has appointed Argentine Marcelo Gallardo as head coach of the national team. Channel NewsAsia reports, citing a federation statement.
Coaching change
The 50-year-old Gallardo replaced his compatriot Sebastián Beccacece. The contract with the previous coach was not extended after Ecuador's defeat to Mexico in the World Cup round of 32 in June.
In a social media statement, the federation said the team has talent, structure and ambition, and also urged fans to believe in the national team. The organization welcomed Gallardo's appointment.
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Coaching experience
Gallardo had been without a job since ending his second spell as coach of Argentina's River Plate in February. During his first stint at the Buenos Aires club, he won the Copa Libertadores twice.
The Argentine had previously also managed Uruguay's Nacional and Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad. Ecuador's next match will be on September 24, a friendly against South Korea.
