Marcelo Gallardo got upset with a comment at the post-Barracas conference

After River's 3-0 victory against Barracas Central in the round of 16 of the Torneo Apertura,  Marcelo Gallardo held a press conference where he answered several questions related to the team's transformation and his way of motivating the squad. In that context, one of his responses went viral for its reflective tone and the way the coach addressed the question.

The question in question was asked by journalist Germán Balcarce from Revista 1986, who stated: "A while ago you mentioned that the message was the same, River boasts four consecutive wins but a few months ago the situation was completely reversed. You looked quite downcast in Asunción…" Upon hearing the word "downcast", Gallardo changed his expression and frowned, although he let the reporter finish the question.

Balcarce continued: "I wanted to ask you what was or what is that message to convince the players at that moment when the outlook wasn't the best, it was hard to win, to score goals… how did you reach this present".

Gallardo's response

"How did I do it? Magic, ha. To not go into the development of everything… I've already explained too much in all the conferences about the process… Now it's magic…", Gallardo began, in an ironic tone. When the journalist insisted, pointing out that "you have to convince the players", the coach retorted: "I took out a wand and did magic…", generating laughter in the room.

However, far from sticking to the sarcastic response, the coach deepened his reflection: "Work guys, time, and conviction. And here nothing of downcast. I was never downcast. Life is tougher than if we can't win two or three games in a row, or if the ball hits the post and goes out. Downcast is something else", he concluded firmly.

The statements caused multiple reactions on social media, especially among River fans, who valued both the clarity of the message and the coach's attitude in the face of difficult moments.