River begins a new institutional era with a significant decision. In his first days at the helm of the club, Stéfano Di Carlo decided to confirm Marcelo Gallardo's continuity as head coach of the professional squad, thus dispelling doubts about the "Muñeco"'s future amid the club's complex footballing present.
Through a press conference, Di Carlo and Gallardo officially announced the contract renewal, which will extend until December 2026. This is the first major political gesture by the brand-new president, who replaced Jorge Brito and seeks to send a message of stability and internal support.
On Tuesday, Di Carlo visited River Camp and held a conversation with the coach, manager Enzo Francescoli, the coaching staff, and the squad. The meeting served to convey a message of unity and confidence in the football project, despite the adverse results of recent weeks.
The support went beyond the symbolic, as the board presented a formal renewal offer, which Gallardo accepted without sporting conditions, guaranteeing his stay for one more year, regardless of the outcome of the 2025 season.
Terms of the new contract
The coach's continuity is part of an economic restructuring that Di Carlo plans to implement at the institution. According to reports, River will impose a salary cap for the squad and contracts based on productivity, both for players and the coaching staff. The measure aims to reduce operating expenses and organize the finances, one of the most criticized aspects of the previous administration.
This way, Gallardo will coach River at least until December 2026, with the possibility of reviewing his continuity, as has happened in previous stages. With institutional support and a renewed project, the "Muñeco" faces a new cycle at the helm of the team with the challenge of rebuilding the competitive level and maintaining the prestige that marked his successful tenure at the club.
Statements by Di Carlo and Gallardo at the press conference
River's new president began the conference by detailing the terms of Gallardo's new contract with the club: "We have agreed to extend Marcelo Gallardo's contract that binds him to River until December 31, 2026. That decision is based on two issues: one quite obvious, which is fulfilling the promise made to River's members. We have gone through an electoral process in which we made clear definitions regarding the football project. We always said that this project has a first and last name, which is Marcelo Gallardo, and that's how River's members chose us. We're fulfilling that proposal extended to the members".
