Marcelo Gallardo is ready to manage in European football, after recent links with Leeds United.
That’s according to Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez, who says that he is keen to see the 47-year-old take charge of a club on the continent.
Can you remember Leeds' last 15 results vs Brighton?
What happened with Leeds and Gallardo?
With Leeds searching for a new manager last month following the sacking of Jesse Marsch, Gallardo was one manager who was linked with the role.
The Argentine is currently taking a break from the game, having left River Plate towards the end of 2022, after over eight years in charge of the club.
However, it was ultimately reported that Gallardo turned down a proposal from Leeds to take over from Marsch, as he did not want to walk into a team midway through a season.
What has Alvarez said about Gallardo?
While he may not have taken the role with Leeds, it seems there is still a belief that the Argentine will be able to make that step across into European football.
Speaking about Gallardo in an interview with TYC Sport, Alvarez – who played under the 47-year-old at River Plate for several years before his summer to Manchester City – said: “Marcelo helped me a lot. I arrived when I was 18 years old from (a spell at) Real Madrid. In 2019 I didn’t play a lot because there were a lot of players.
“He helped me a lot both as a player and as a person. He doesn’t just give football advice. Yes, obviously Gallardo is ready to lead in Europe.
“He proved that in all the years he was at River. I don’t know what will cross his mind, but it would be a nice challenge and we all want to see that.”
This is something that Leeds may have to keep in mind in the lead-up to the summer.
While they did appoint a successor to Marsch eventually in the form of Javi Gracia, he is only on what has been described as a “flexible” contract, meaning there is no guarantee of how long he will be there.
As a result, Leeds may need to consider another appointment in the summer, and this is certainly a glowing reference of Gallardo, from a high quality player.
You feel therefore, that Gallardo should be one for Leeds to have on a list of potential options, although they will surely have to avoid relegation if they are to have a chance of attracting the Argentine to Elland Road.
Will Gracia keep Leeds up?
Yes
No
