River FC Under Marcelo Gallardo
Despite their recent struggles, River FC have shown a consistent style under coach Marcelo Gallardo. They often create overloads with full-backs, which allows De La Cruz to get inside. They also lack fixed positions, which makes them hard to organize against numerical superiority. With a revamped version of Gallardo’s system, River FC could become a serious attacking force. Understudy Robert Rojas has been impressive, but the team does lack depth at the back.
Nacional coach Marcelo Gallardo
Gallardo has been a part of the Nacional coaching staff since December 2011. He is also a former player. His time with the club earned him several nicknames, including “El Muneco” and “Napoleon.” A humble student, Gallardo took a technical coaching course while still playing professionally. However, his coaching ambitions went beyond that.
As a coach, Gallardo’s reputation precedes him. He won two World Cups and guided River to glory. He has also been a star player for River and won the hearts of Argentine fans during his heady days. But in recent years, he has begun to feel burdened by the pressures of societal pressures and tribal rivalry.
As a coach, Gallardo has become one of the most influential figures in South American football. His teams are well-known for being flexible and using a range of formations to play effectively. For example, he has used a 4-4-2 diamond and a 4-1-2-1-2 formation. This allows him to use his full-backs as wingbacks. It also creates a clear opening for the lone striker.
Gallardo was introduced as a manager by River Plate in 2002. He wore fashionable clothing and had a laid-back, confident air. He also spoke highly of the process he employed, and his ability to guide the team to results.
Impact of his style of play
As a team, River FC has always used a high number of forward players. In a normal phase of play, River FC will have six players on the field. They usually have a left wing back who can find a lot of space. This makes it difficult for opponents to contain River FC.
However, Gallardo’s style of play has not been universally accepted in Argentina. The Argentinean has won league titles with Monaco and Nacional, and has been one of the most attacking midfielders in the country’s national team. In the 2014 Copa Sudamericana, he led River to the final, where they lost to Atletico Nacional.
The style of play used by River FC differs from that of the club’s top-flight rivals. The club’s front three plays high up the pitch to win the ball and force the opposing team into making mistakes. In addition to this, Gallardo’s team often uses high-pressure tactics. This type of pressing has helped them win the Copa Sudamericana in 2014, their first continental trophy in seventeen years.
Gallardo spent four years with Monaco, and was named Ligue 1 Footballer of the Year for the 1999/2000 season. He played one season in the MLS with DC United before returning home to retire in Uruguay.
Teamwork ethic of his players
The teamwork ethic of Gallardo’s players is well-known. He has a reputation for motivating his players and instilling the mentality that the players must rise to the occasion. As a result, River Plate teams are known for their preparation and performance on big cup nights. El Millonario has been to the semi-finals of the Libertadores four times in five years and are in contention to make it three in a row.
Gallardo has been at River FC since 2017 and is determined to leave a legacy of good management behind. His presence is also often seen at the club’s youth and reserve games. Normally, European giants would choose a South American coach for a top job, but Gallardo turned down Monaco in 2018 after being approached by the Ligue 1 club.
Despite his lack of experience as a manager, Gallardo has made the most of his players. Many players at the club have been criticised, but he has stood by his players despite their blemishes. In fact, he has rehabilitated several players at River. Gonzalo ‘Pity’ Martinez was one of the best examples of this. Despite his bad reputation, Gallardo has also managed to sign a talented winger from Huracan.
The teamwork ethic of the players is evident throughout the team. The forwards press high up the pitch in a bid to force the opposition into errors. This style of play has become an integral part of Gallardo’s tactics. Whether the team is playing in a 4-3-2 formation or a 3-5-2 formation, the players are consistently working together.