Gallardo accepts offer to coach Al-Ittihad, from Saudi Arabia

Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo is on his way to Saudi Arabia to join Al-Ittihad, Fluminense’s possible opponent in the Club World Cup at the end of the year. Despite the interest from Brazilian teams, the coach accepted the offer from the Saudi team, which has stars such as Benzema, Kanté and Fabinho.

The coach’s contract will be valid until June 2025, with the option of extending for another two years. He has been free on the market since leaving River Plate at the end of 2022.

Recognized for his eight years at the helm of River Plate, where he won two Copa Libertadores, Gallardo will take over from Nuno Espírito Santo, recently fired after a fight with French striker Karim Benzema.

According to the Argentine press in recent days, Gallardo will receive around 18 million euros per year (R$95 million) at the Saudi club, becoming the third highest paid coach on the planet, behind only Diego Simeone, from Atlético de Madrid, and Pep Guardiola, from Manchester City.

“It’s a personal decision. There is a lot to develop, they also encouraged me with a large development project in a place that, however, is still a certain virginity”, declared Gallardo before boarding.

Al-Ittihad is the current Saudi champion, but only appears in fifth place in the current edition of the national championship, with 24 points – nine less than leader Al-Hilal. Furthermore, it is worth remembering that the club is a possible opponent for Fluminense in the Club World Cup, if they beat Al-Ahly, from Egypt, in the semi-final.

Before that, they will have to face Auckland City, from New Zealand, in the opening match of the tournament, scheduled for December 12th. The winner of the match will face Tricolor Rio in the semi-final, who qualified for the competition after winning the Libertadores final over Boca Juniors.