Gallardo: “This Club World Cup Puts Us Against the Elite”

Marcelo Gallardo, River Plate's head coach, shared his excitement about the team's participation in the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup, emphasizing the tournament's significance for Argentine football and the chance to compete against the world's top clubs.

“Being part of such a prestigious tournament at its inception, regarding a Club World Cup, with clubs from all over the world competing in one place, generates great expectations for me,” Gallardo stated.

River's debut will be against Urawa Red Diamonds, a match the coach sees as crucial: “Our first match in the World Cup will show that we belong to the elite,” he noted.

He also highlighted an anticipated clash with Champions League finalist Inter Milan as a valuable opportunity to assess the squad's capabilities. “They are representative teams of Europe. Inter is very representative, a Champions winner and a benchmark of the latest,” Gallardo commented.

Finally, the coach expressed his deep connection with River Plate, emphasizing the vibrant bond between the club and its fans. “For me, River is a very special feeling, it's part of my essence as an athlete, as a person. I was born in this club; it's a very strong identification,” he concluded.