Marcelo Gallardo has officially announced that he will step down as the head coach of River Plate, ending his second term with the club. This decision comes as River Plate gears up for an upcoming match against Banfield in the Argentine Apertura tournament. Gallardo's tenure saw a significant downturn, with the team failing to secure any titles and suffering 13 losses in their last 20 games, signaling a troubling period for the historically successful club.

In a video shared across River Plate's social media platforms, Gallardo expressed his decision following the team's practice on Monday. His departure marks a notable moment in Argentine football, as Gallardo has been a prominent figure in the sport, previously achieving significant success with River Plate. However, this latest stint saw a lack of silverware, raising questions about the direction of the club and the challenges ahead.

Gallardo's exit opens discussions about potential successors and the future strategy of River Plate as they look to reclaim their status in Argentine football. The club, known for its passionate fanbase and rich history, will need to recover quickly to maintain competitiveness in the league, amid a backdrop of disappointing performances. The leadership change signifies a pivotal moment for both the team and its supporters, who will now await news of the new coaching appointment and the approach towards upcoming fixtures.