Marcelo Gallardo set for River Plate farewell against Banfield | OneFootball

Marcelo Gallardo, River Plate’s most decorated coach, will take charge of his final match on Thursday at 23:30 French time against Club Atlético Banfield at the Monumental after a punishing run of results.

The 50-year-old academy graduate and club idol brings his second stint to a close, with the stands expected to back him regardless of the result. According to L'Équipe, he has been pushed towards the exit by recent poor form.

On Monday, in a video message, he said he was overwhelmed by emotion and deeply hurt at failing to meet objectives.

A statue in his honour has stood outside the Monumental since May 2023. Between 2014 and 2022, his first tenure delivered 14 trophies, including the 2018 Copa Libertadores, a 3-1 extra-time win in Madrid after a 2-2 first leg against Boca Juniors.

Back in charge since August 2024, his side recorded 35 wins, 32 draws and 18 defeats in 85 games in all competitions. The 2025 campaign ended without silverware and without Copa Libertadores qualification.

The 2026 season then opened with three straight league defeats, despite his contract being extended late in 2025 to run until December 2026.

After Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Vélez Sarsfield, he was said to have told a confidant he could not see a reaction from his players. Across River circles, emotions are mixed, and some had long anticipated this outcome.

Gallardo has asked that no formal tribute be staged. Even so, many supporters are likely to make their own noise, and some believe this farewell might not be the last.

Source: L'Équipe