- Marcelo Gallardo led River Plate to Copa Libertadores success
- Former River player has been in charge since 2014
- River kick off their Club World Cup campaign on 18 December
Guarding the entrance to the River Plate Museum is a huge statue of club idol Angel Labruna. Labruna is River and River is Labruna. While the Buenos Aires outfit has had many icons in its 117-year history and Labruna was its indisputable figurehead for many decades, he is no longer alone, having been joined Marcelo Gallardo, who now enjoys the same stature.
The Copa Libertadores final win over Boca Juniors has elevated the standing of the man they call El Muñeco ("The Doll”). Already adored by the River family, Gallardo’s popularity has taken on a whole new dimension following the victory over the club’s age-old rivals in the mother of all finals.
“It’s an achievement that will stand forever. I don’t think anything can top this,” the coach told the Argentinian media. As far as the fans are concerned, Gallardo is an alchemist who has taken them to a state of bliss, one they hope will continue at the FIFA Club World Cup.
FIFA.com explains how the coach achieved this guru status at a club where winning has long been the rule and not the exception.
Restoring River to their rightful place
When Gallardo took over in the middle of 2014, supporters were still recovering from the trauma of the club’s relegation to the second tier in 2011.
River had just won the league title under Ramon Diaz, the only one of their many idols who came close to Labruna. His resignation led to the appointment of El Muñeco. Though a River man through and through and a very popular player, he lacked coaching experience. The sense of uncertainty was heightened by the fact he had been out of a job for two years and brought very few players in on taking up the job.
Gallardo made a massive impact nevertheless, both in terms of results and style of play, embarking on a tenure that has understandably had its highs and lows but in which, over the course of four and a half years, he has been able to match Diaz as the club’s most successful coach of all time with nine trophies:
- Two Copa Libertadores
- One Copa Sudamericana
- Two Recopa Sudamericanas
- Two Argentinian Cups
- One Argentinian Super Cup
- One Copa Suruga
River Plate 3-1 Boca Juniors (5-3 agg) (Copa Libertadores 2018 final, second leg)
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![The River Plate team celebrate with the Copa Libertadores Trophy following]()
The River Plate team celebrate with the Copa Libertadores Trophy following
09 Dec 2018
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: The River Plate team celebrate with the Copa Libertadores Trophy following their victory in the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018 between Boca Juniors and River Plate at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 9, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Due to the violent episodes of November 24th at River Plate stadium, CONMEBOL rescheduled the game and moved it out of Americas for the first time in history. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
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![The River Plate team celebrate with the Copa Libertadores Trophy]()
The River Plate team celebrate with the Copa Libertadores Trophy
09 Dec 2018
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: The River Plate team celebrate with the Copa Libertadores Trophy following their victory in the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018 between Boca Juniors and River Plate at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 9, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Due to the violent episodes of November 24th at River Plate stadium, CONMEBOL rescheduled the game and moved it out of Americas for the first time in history. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![River Plate players celebrate with the Copa Libertadores Trophy]()
River Plate players celebrate with the Copa Libertadores Trophy
09 Dec 2018
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: River Plate players celebrate with the Copa Libertadores Trophy following their sides victory in the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018 between Boca Juniors and River Plate at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 9, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Due to the violent episodes of November 24th at River Plate stadium, CONMEBOL rescheduled the game and moved it out of Americas for the first time in history. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Gonzalo Martinez of River Plate scores]()
Gonzalo Martinez of River Plate scores
09 Dec 2018
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Gonzalo Martinez of River Plate scores his team's third goal during the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018 between Boca Juniors and River Plate at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 9, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Due to the violent episodes of November 24th at River Plate stadium, CONMEBOL rescheduled the game and moved it out of Americas for the first time in history. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Juan Quintero of River Plate celebrates after scoring his team's second goal]()
Juan Quintero of River Plate celebrates after scoring his team's second goal
09 Dec 2018
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Juan Quintero of River Plate celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018 between Boca Juniors and River Plate at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 9, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Due to the violent episodes of November 24th at River Plate stadium, CONMEBOL rescheduled the game and moved it out of Americas for the first time in history. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Lucas Pratto of River Plate celebrates]()
Lucas Pratto of River Plate celebrates
09 Dec 2018
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Lucas Pratto of River Plate celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018 between Boca Juniors and River Plate at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 9, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Due to the violent episodes of November 24th at River Plate stadium, CONMEBOL rescheduled the game and moved it out of Americas for the first time in history. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Referee Andres Ismael Cunha Soca shows Wilmar Barrios of Boca Juniors a red card]()
Referee Andres Ismael Cunha Soca shows Wilmar Barrios of Boca Juniors a red card
09 Dec 2018
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Referee Andres Ismael Cunha Soca shows Wilmar Barrios of Boca Juniors a red card during the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018 between Boca Juniors and River Plate at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 9, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Due to the violent episodes of November 24th at River Plate stadium, CONMEBOL rescheduled the game and moved it out of Americas for the first time in history. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Dario Benedetto of Boca Juniors celebrates]()
Dario Benedetto of Boca Juniors celebrates
09 Dec 2018
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Dario Benedetto of Boca Juniors celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018 between Boca Juniors and River Plate at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 9, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Due to the violent episodes of November 24th at River Plate stadium, CONMEBOL rescheduled the game and moved it out of Americas for the first time in history. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Gonzalo Montiel of River Plate]()
Gonzalo Montiel of River Plate
09 Dec 2018
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Gonzalo Montiel of River Plate reacts during the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018 between Boca Juniors and River Plate at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 9, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Due to the violent episodes of November 24th at River Plate stadium, CONMEBOL rescheduled the game and moved it out of Americas for the first time in history. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Dario Benedetto of Boca Juniors scores his team's first goal]()
Dario Benedetto of Boca Juniors scores his team's first goal
09 Dec 2018
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Dario Benedetto of Boca Juniors scores his team's first goal during the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018 between Boca Juniors and River Plate at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 9, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Due to the violent episodes of November 24th at River Plate stadium, CONMEBOL rescheduled the game and moved it out of Americas for the first time in history. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Pablo Perez of Boca Juniors shoots during the second leg of the final]()
Pablo Perez of Boca Juniors shoots during the second leg of the final
09 Dec 2018
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Pablo Perez of Boca Juniors shoots during the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018 between Boca Juniors and River Plate at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 9, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Due to the violent episodes of November 24th at River Plate stadium, CONMEBOL rescheduled the game and moved it out of Americas for the first time in history. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Dario Benedetto of Boca Juniors kicks a free kick during the second leg]()
Dario Benedetto of Boca Juniors kicks a free kick during the second leg
09 Dec 2018
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Dario Benedetto of Boca Juniors kicks a free kick during the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018 between Boca Juniors and River Plate at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 9, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Due to the violent episodes of November 24th at River Plate stadium, CONMEBOL rescheduled the game and moved it out of Americas for the first time in history. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Ignacio Fernandez of River Plate is challenged by Lisandro Magallan of Boca Juniors]()
Ignacio Fernandez of River Plate is challenged by Lisandro Magallan of Boca Juniors
09 Dec 2018
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Ignacio Fernandez of River Plate is challenged by Lisandro Magallan of Boca Juniors during the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018 between Boca Juniors and River Plate at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 9, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Due to the violent episodes of November 24th at River Plate stadium, CONMEBOL rescheduled the game and moved it out of Americas for the first time in history. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Exequiel Palacios of River Plate holds off Wilmar Barrios of Boca Juniors]()
Exequiel Palacios of River Plate holds off Wilmar Barrios of Boca Juniors
09 Dec 2018
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Exequiel Palacios of River Plate holds off Wilmar Barrios of Boca Juniors during the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018 between Boca Juniors and River Plate at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 9, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Due to the violent episodes of November 24th at River Plate stadium, CONMEBOL rescheduled the game and moved it out of Americas for the first time in history. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![The River Plate players pose for a team photo]()
The River Plate players pose for a team photo
09 Dec 2018
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: The River Plate players pose for a team photo prior to the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018 between Boca Juniors and River Plate at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 9, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Due to the violent episodes of November 24th at River Plate stadium, CONMEBOL rescheduled the game and moved it out of Americas for the first time in history. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Cristian Pavon of Boca Juniors is challenged by Camilo Mayada]()
Cristian Pavon of Boca Juniors is challenged by Camilo Mayada
09 Dec 2018
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Cristian Pavon of Boca Juniors is challenged by Camilo Mayada of River Plate during the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018 between Boca Juniors and River Plate at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 9, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Due to the violent episodes of November 24th at River Plate stadium, CONMEBOL rescheduled the game and moved it out of Americas for the first time in history. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![A detailed view of the Copa Libertadores Trophy]()
A detailed view of the Copa Libertadores Trophy
09 Dec 2018
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: A detailed view of the Copa Libertadores Trophy is seen prior to the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018 between Boca Juniors and River Plate at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 9, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Due to the violent episodes of November 24th at River Plate stadium, CONMEBOL rescheduled the game and moved it out of Americas for the first time in history. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Boca Juniors and River Plate fans enjoys the atmosphere prior to the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores]()
Boca Juniors and River Plate fans enjoys the atmosphere prior to the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores
09 Dec 2018
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Boca Juniors and River Plate fans enjoys the atmosphere prior to the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018 between Boca Juniors and River Plate at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 9, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Due to the violent episodes of November 24th at River Plate stadium, CONMEBOL rescheduled the game and moved it out of Americas for the first time in history. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Fans of Boca Juniors pose for a picture outside Santiago Bernabeu Stadium]()
Fans of Boca Juniors pose for a picture outside Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
09 Dec 2018
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Fans of Boca Juniors pose for a picture outside Santiago Bernabeu Stadium before their team play against River Plate in the Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores second leg final on December 09, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![A River Plate fan holds a scarf during the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores]()
A River Plate fan holds a scarf during the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores
09 Dec 2018
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: A River Plate fan holds a scarf during the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018 between Boca Juniors and River Plate at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 9, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Due to the violent episodes of November 24th at River Plate stadium, CONMEBOL rescheduled the game and moved it out of Americas for the first time in history. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![River Plate fans enjoy the atmosphere prior to the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores]()
River Plate fans enjoy the atmosphere prior to the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores
09 Dec 2018
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: River Plate fans enjoy the atmosphere prior to the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018 between Boca Juniors and River Plate at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 9, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Due to the violent episodes of November 24th at River Plate stadium, CONMEBOL rescheduled the game and moved it out of Americas for the first time in history. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![Merchandise is seen for sale prior to the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018]()
Merchandise is seen for sale prior to the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018
09 Dec 2018
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Merchandise is seen for sale prior to the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018 between Boca Juniors and River Plate at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 9, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Due to the violent episodes of November 24th at River Plate stadium, CONMEBOL rescheduled the game and moved it out of Americas for the first time in history. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![A fan holds an Argentina flag prior to the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018]()
A fan holds an Argentina flag prior to the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018
09 Dec 2018
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: between Boca Juniors and River Plate at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 9, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Due to the violent episodes of November 24th at River Plate stadium, CONMEBOL rescheduled the game and moved it out of Americas for the first time in history. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
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![avier Pinola of River Plate celebrates after teammate Juan Quintero]()
avier Pinola of River Plate celebrates after teammate Juan Quintero
09 Dec 2018
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Javier Pinola of River Plate celebrates after teammate Juan Quintero scores their team's second goal during the second leg of the final match of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018 between Boca Juniors and River Plate at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 9, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Due to the violent episodes of November 24th at River Plate stadium, CONMEBOL rescheduled the game and moved it out of Americas for the first time in history. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
International success
Despite having won a record number of Argentinian league titles, River have always struggled to replicate that level of success on the international stage.
Only three continental titles came their way prior to 1998, two of them Libertadores. Then came a long drought marked by some embarrassing defeats, all while Boca were enjoying the most glorious period in their history.
Under Gallardo that embarrassment has given way to pride, as River began to show an ability to win tough away matches when the pressure was really on, a gift they demonstrated in overcoming the odds to beat Gremio in Porto Alegre in this year’s Copa semi-final. Needing two goals in the last ten minutes to advance to the final, River got them.
They showed their grit again the final against Boca, coming from behind three times and kicking on to win.
Turning the tables on Boca
From the early 1990s onwards, El Xeneize had the upper hand on River. Despite fielding brilliant, championship-winning teams, some of them featuring Gallardo, Los Millonarios invariably came up short in the clasico.
Since taking over as coach, however, Gallardo has changed that dynamic, over the course of two finals (in this year’s Argentinian Super Cup and the Libertadores) and two other knockout ties (in the semi-finals of the 2014 Copa Sudamericana semi-finals and the last 16 of the 2015 Libertadores).
Though Gallardo’s River went into two of those ties as clear underdogs, they won all four and did not lose a single match out of seven (the second leg of the 2015 Libertadores tie was suspended, with the first leg having finished goalless). And in all four competitions they were crowned champions.
An iron will
While River have long been known for playing cultured football, they have sometimes lacked the character to win big matches. And in the period between 2000 and 2014 they suffered more lows than highs.
Gallardo’s teams are feared for their intensity and winning mentality, and he has gone to every effort to blend the club’s love for entertaining football with a desire to dominate the opposition.
In the 50 knockout ties he has taken charge of in domestic and international competitions, he has overseen victory in no fewer than 42 of them.
He has also recovered from his darkest hour as River coach, which came in the semi-finals of the 2017 Copa Libertadores, when his side let slip a three-goal lead in the space of 45 minutes.
“What keeps you going in the toughest moments is attitude,” he has said on more than one occasion. “You forge that attitude through the way you work and by taking every training session as if it were the last.”
A sense of belonging
A scheming and talented No10, Gallardo won six league titles and two international trophies as a River player.
“I’m a son of this club,” he has said. He has imbibed the River philosophy since the age of 12 and knows how to pass it on to others. The fans feel that he is one of them.
A strong leader, he has built his authority on taking a direct approach both inside and outside the dressing room, regardless of who his messages are aimed at.
That authority is also founded on his tactical astuteness. His ability to detect chinks in the opposition armour and rectify mistakes in time have decided many a match during his tenure.
