Marcelo Gallardo, who has been the coach of River Plate for over a year and a half, is now facing uncertainty regarding his position following a 1-0 defeat to Vélez. This loss marked the third consecutive defeat in the Torneo Apertura, leaving the team in a precarious 21st place in the annual table. The historical coach, known for his successful tenure, now finds himself at a critical juncture where he must consider his next steps carefully.

The defeat has prompted Gallardo to forego the traditional post-match press conference, choosing instead to take some time to reflect on his future. Reports indicate he is engaging in discussions with his coaching staff to evaluate their current strategies and the state of the team. This period of contemplation comes against the backdrop of an underwhelming start to the season, which has led to doubts about the team's ability to recover and compete effectively.

As River Plate fans and analysts speculate on his potential decisions, the pressure mounts on Gallardo. The pivotal question remains whether he can find convincing reasons to continue his tenure amid escalating expectations and recent failures, or if he might opt to step down in light of these challenges. The coming hours will be crucial in determining the future direction of both Gallardo and the club as they navigate this tumultuous start to 2026.