Marcelo Gallardo appointed as Ecuador national team head coach

Argentine manager Marcelo Gallardo has been officially presented as the new head coach of the Ecuador national football team. Following his arrival in Quito, Gallardo signed a contract extending through 2030, aiming to lead the squad through the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup.

Gallardo, known for his highly successful tenure at River Plate, described the appointment as a “challenge of life” that is both sporting and human. He emphasized his desire to build a long-term process and a team that the Ecuadorian people can identify with, focusing on the high potential of the country's current generation of players.

Federation President Francisco Egas confirmed that Gallardo will reside in Ecuador to closely monitor the local league and talent. Notably, Gallardo's longtime assistant Matías Biscay will not be part of the initial technical staff due to personal reasons, though the possibility of a future return remains open. Gallardo's technical staff will include Hernán Buján.

The new manager is scheduled to make his debut on September 24 in a friendly match against South Korea.