River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo has been linked with the Barcelona job in the event of Ernesto Valverde being axed. Reports in Argentina claim Barca officials have been impressed with the work the 43-year-old has performed in his homeland, having guided River Plate to the Copa Libertadores title at the expense of rivals Boca Juniors last year.
It was the second time Gallardo has won the title at River Plate, while he has also won the Copa Argentina twice and the Supercopa Argentina during his spell. The 44-time capped former Argentina international has experience of playing in Europe having enjoyed spells with Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain in France.
It’s believed that Valverde’s position came under scrutiny after Barca’s Champions League implosion against Liverpool in last season’s Champions League semi-final second leg at Anfield.
And, as the Catalan giants have made a slow start to their La Liga title defence with 13 points from seven matches, there is a possibility that a change at the top could be made.
Gallardo is under contract at River Plate until 2021, but the chance of taking over the Barcelona job would surely be too tempting to decline.
