By Le Figaro with AFP
Published 2 hours ago, Updated 2 hours ago
Marcelo Gallardo AGUSTIN MARCARIAN / REUTERS
Argentinian Marcelo Gallardo is the new coach of the Saudi club Al-Ittihad, where Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté play.
Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo, figure of River Plate, has signed with Al-Ittihad, reigning Saudi Arabian champion, the Saudi club announced on Saturday. Gallardo, aged 47, joins the current fifth in the Saudi Pro League for a year and a half, Al-Ittihad said in a statement published on social networks.
The Argentinian, nicknamed “El Muneco”, led his former club River Plate to the Copa Libertadores title twice (2015, 2018) after a playing career marked by stints at Monaco and Paris SG in France, as well as than by another title in Libertadores with River Plate (1996). He replaces the Portuguese Nuno Espirito Santo, who won the title with Al-Ittihad last season. Gallardo will have big names under his command such as Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté and Fabinho.
