Gallardo ‘to prioritise’ sabbatical after River Plate exit, blow to Vasco plans | OneFootball

Vasco supporters’ hopes of seeing Gallardo in 2026 have taken a blow. The Argentine ends his River Plate tenure on Thursday 26 and is not expected to enter talks in the short term. ge reports he will prioritise a sabbatical.

Although his name is widely backed by a board led by Pedrinho, Placar adds that recent bereavements, including the deaths of his father and long-time agent, have left him seeking complete rest.

Vasco had monitored his situation, believing the end of his River cycle might open a window. He has signalled to those close to him that he needs time to process the losses and to recover mentally after years of heavy demands in Argentine football. For now, his emotional state is viewed as a firm barrier to any offer, regardless of value.

The club had targeted Gallardo’s international pedigree to lift the Vasco SAF project. With an implicit no due to a sabbatical, focus is set to shift elsewhere, prompting a change of course at São Januário.

The ambition to hire a top tier coach remains, yet the market offers few with comparable pedigree and availability.

Interim Bruno Lazaroni leads the side on Thursday against Santos. The board aims to accelerate talks with the next target to avoid a prolonged vacancy harming Campeonato Brasileiro form. Renato Gaúcho is seen as the most realistic option if overseas moves do not materialise in the coming days.

Source: PaponaColina