Amid official secrecy about Marcelo Gallardo's future, journalist Rodolfo "Gringo" Cingolani dropped a bombshell on television, claiming the coach had submitted his resignation but was persuaded to stay in his position. According to the Argentine News Agency, Cingolani's firm statements on TyC Sports sent shockwaves through the River Plate world, providing details on the frantic talks that followed the tough defeat against Vélez Sarsfield in Liniers. Details of the forced continuity. During his regular TV appearance, Cingolani was blunt in describing the situation of the club's most successful coach in history, who is currently burdened by accumulating 10 defeats in his last 15 appearances. The Muñeco's stance: According to the journalist, internal burnout, combined with the team's evident lack of mental and footballing responses, led Gallardo to offer his resignation on Sunday night. The rescue operation: Cingolani detailed that it was the leadership, with President Stéfano Di Carlo's approval, that intervened quickly to reject the resignation and explicitly ask him not to abandon the ship at the worst sporting moment. The Gringo's jab: True to his critical style, the communicator emphasized that Gallardo must use this opportunity to set aside his role as "CEO and general manager" and refocus exclusively on building and directing the first team. A test at the Monumental. With this "pending resignation" scenario outlined by Cingolani, all eyes are on River's next match. The Muñeco, who held practice at the Ezeiza training facility on Monday afternoon, will be on the bench at the Monumental Stadium next Thursday against Banfield. According to the journalist's analysis, that match will be the definitive limit: if the team fails to show an immediate reaction in front of its fans, Gallardo's departure could be finalized without turning back.
