Marcelo Gallardo Closing in on Ecuador: What’s Left to Finalize His Arrival as Head Coach The “Tri” are close to securing the Argentine coach for the next World Cup cycle. Details of the agreement and what remains before he takes charge. The Ecuador national team are close to finalizing the appointment of Sebastián Beccacece’s replacement. Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo is the Ecuadorian Football Federation’s (FEF) preferred candidate, and the agreement is reportedly around 80% complete. Although there have been no official announcements from the federation and no agreements have been signed by either party, negotiations are reportedly in the final stages. The remaining issues include deciding where Gallardo will live — Quito or Guayaquil — as well as the logistics of his work between Ecuador and Argentina and how many days he will spend in each country. The “Tricolor” are looking for a new head coach following the end of Sebastián Beccacece’s tenure on June 30, 2026, after Ecuador’s participation in the World Cup. If the deal is finalized, Gallardo will take charge of a national team for the first time in his career. The financial proposal would reportedly exceed US$3 million. Gallardo is close to reaching an agreement with Ecuador for his first experience managing a national team. The “Muñeco” reportedly wants to work with around ten members of his coaching staff, including fitness coaches and video analysts. FEF’s Other Options to Manage Ecuador If negotiations with the former River Plate and Al Nassr coach break down, the FEF has two other candidates ready to take over: Luis Zubeldía and Roberto Martínez are the alternatives currently being considered by the federation.   submitted by   /u/IndividualPleasant23 [link]   [comments]