{
  "id": 7304635,
  "title": "Ex-River boss Marcelo Gallardo appointed as new Ecuador head coach",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/ex-river-boss-marcelo-gallardo-appointed-as-new-ecuador-head-coach",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-14T11:29:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Buenos Aires Times",
    "slug": "buenos-aires-times",
    "url": "https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/sports/ex-river-boss-marcelo-gallardo-appointed-as-new-ecuador-head-coach.phtml"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Marcelo Gallardo, the former Argentine manager of River Plate, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Ecuador national football team for the upcoming 2030 World Cup qualifying campaign, announced the Ecuador Football Federation (FEF) on Sunday. Gallardo, a 50-year-old Argentine, has no prior experience in managing an international side. He replaces his fellow Argentine, Sebastián Beccacece, who resigned after Ecuador's defeat to co-hosts Mexico in the first knockout stage of the current World Cup.\n\nFEF President Francisco Egas expressed his satisfaction in a video posted on social media, stating, \"We sought out Marcello Gallardo for what he has won, but above all for what he represents.\" Gallardo is renowned for his attacking playing style and is the most successful coach in the history of River Plate, having won 14 trophies in his first stint, including two Copa Libertadores championships.\n\nHowever, Gallardo's second spell at River Plate was not as successful. He resigned in February following a poor run of form and inability to secure more trophies. Ecuador has emerged as a significant force in South American football in recent years, achieving a second-place finish in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, trailing only Argentina. The team is graced by international stars such as Arsenal's Piero Hincapié and Paris Saint-Germain's Willian Pacho.",
  "summary": "Ex-River Plate coach replaces compatriot Sebastián Beccacece, who stepped down after Ecuador's loss to co-hosts Mexico in this year's World Cup. Leer más",
  "key_points": [
    "Marcelo Gallardo, former River Plate manager, named Ecuador head coach",
    "Gallardo, 50, has no international coaching experience",
    "Ecuador a top South American football force"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}