Gallardo and his criticism of current Argentine football: 'There is more fighting than playing'

After the 3-0 victory for River against San Martín de Tucumán in the Copa Argentina, Marcelo Gallardo held a press conference in which he analyzed not only the match, but also the overall state of Argentine soccer.

True to his style, Muñeco was self-critical, direct, and deep: he targeted the structure of the championship, the lack of play, and the wear and tear faced by teams that want to take the initiative.

"The hierarchy of the tournament means there's more fighting than playing," Gallardo said when asked about the development of the match. He added: "You have to compete in a 30-team tournament, where those with less will try to fight with their own tools and you have to prepare to battle."

The Millonario coach explained how that dynamic conditions the playing style of the teams: "They don't let you play, they cut off the circuits, and you have to try to overcome them. That often makes the spectacle less attractive. Nobody gives you anything."

Gallardo emphasized that in Argentine soccer, competition is constant and fierce, regardless of previous achievements or the opponent's prestige: "In Argentine soccer, nobody respects you. It doesn't matter if you're a world champion, no matter what jersey you're wearing, the one in front of you wants to win and wants to compete. Pride is very important."

He also reflected on why more and more young players are quickly moving abroad: "Since it's very hard to make it, everyone wants to hold on with their own tools. Why aren't the players here anymore? Why do they leave faster? Because the tournaments have so many matches. That's where you see less hierarchy in many teams."

Finally, Muñeco used a recent example to reinforce his point: "Today I was watching the match between San Lorenzo and Tigre. There was practically no play on the ground. It was a match where something different was seen."