AFC Champions League
The Argentinian replaces Nuno Espirito Santo, who made way after Al Ittihad lost 2-0 to Air Force Club in the AFC Champions League 2023-24 earlier this month.
Gallardo, who led River Plate to the Copa Libertadores in 2015 and again in 2018, has been given a contract until mid-2025 by the Saudi side.
"The Board of Directors of Al Ittihad announces the signing of a new coaching staff, led by the Argentinian Marcelo Gallardo, to coach the football first team with a contract extending for a year and a half," the club said.
Al Ittihad currently lead Group C in the AFC Champions League 2023/24 with nine points from four games, two points ahead of second-placed Sepahan FC of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Gallardo’s first game in charge will be on Friday when Al Ittihad face Al Ittifaq in the Saudi Pro League, with the Jeddah-based club currently fifth in the domestic standings.
The club’s next game in the AFC Champions League 2023/24 will be on November 27 against Uzbekistan’s AGMK FC.
Photo: AFP
