How Gallardo reacted to Brito’s comments and the impact inside River | OneFootball

Jorge Brito’s statements resonated more abroad than they truly did inside the River Plate bunker, where they were perceived as just another interview that didn’t spark negative backlash. Above all, that’s how Marcelo Gallardo felt it, even though he ultimately was held responsible for the team’s poor current form. After all, the overall message sent by the president was one of support, both “in good times and bad.”

Internally, they understood it as an interview that generally sought to give backing, without harmful repercussions, beyond the logical impact generated—more outside than inside—by that resounding phrase (“Gallardo is the main person responsible”).

The coach himself, in the last press conference after the defeat to Sarmiento, accepted that responsibility in a blunt self-critique. So, while it’s not usual for Brito to speak publicly in those terms about the figure of the manager, the internal perception is that it’s a quote that may sound strong but is also understandable.

Why? First, because it’s realistic, and then because the message wasn’t harmful nor intended to cause friction; quite the opposite: it was tinged with a conciliatory tone, praising the support for the Muñeco, his coaching staff, and the players.

Whether there was—or wasn’t—a call from Brito to Gallardo will remain between the parties. Since the manager—who reads, listens, and is attentive to everything—didn’t feel negatively targeted, far from it, the sense is that such communication wasn’t even necessary to clear things up.

“We have to work to turn this around as soon as possible. Boos are silenced with goals and results. We have to give the fans the joy we once gave them. We have to deliver wins and the kind of football the people demand as soon as possible. We’re confident we can turn this moment around with Gallardo and the players,” Brito said on ESPN, making it clear that he is in no way considering a coaching change, neither he nor “anyone in the opposition” (given the elections).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.