Manchester City star says Leeds manager target is good enough to coach in Europe

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Manchester City star Julian Alvarez has told TyC Sports that Leeds United managerial target Marcelo Gallardo is good enough to take a job in Europe – and wants to see his old River Plate gaffer take over at a big European side.

Alvarez, 23, made a name for himself at River Plate with Gallardo in charge. The Argentine manager, who is seen as a disciple of Marcelo Bielsa, spent eight years in charge of River. He handed World Cup winner Alvarez his debut.

The young striker joined River’s academy in 2016. After his senior debut in October 2018, he went on to score 54 goals in 122 games for River, and lay on 31 assists. He has won four major honours with Gallardo’s old club.

Now shining as Argentina’s first-choice no.9, and at Manchester City, Alvarez paid tribute to Gallardo in a recent interview with TyC. Gallardo left River in December after eight years, and Leeds made an offer in February (TyC).

“Marcelo helped me a lot. I arrived when I was 18 years old. He helped me a lot both as a player and as a person. He doesn’t just give football advice,” Manchester City striker Alvarez said when speaking to TyC Sports this week.

“Yes, obviously Gallardo is ready to lead in Europe. He proved that in all the years he was at River,” Alvarez recalled. “I don’t know what will cross his mind, but it would be a nice challenge and we all want to see that.” 

Alvarez: Leeds manager target Gallardo good enough for job in Europe

Of course, talk about who will lead Leeds come the summer has died down, with focus on Javi Gracia and the new Leeds boss trying to keep his side in the Premier League. But Gracia is only contracted until the end of the season.

There are plenty of questions surrounding Leeds and the man in the dugout. Gracia is on a ‘flexible’ contract, likely to be a deal until the summer – but with a clause to extend. A takeover could see Leeds go in a different direction.

Victor Orta is ‘vulnerable’ in his position as director of football, according to iNews. So, if Leeds are looking for a new manager come the end of the season – whoever the board is – then Gallardo might be the man to come in.