In the midst of the deep football crisis facing River Plate, the club's president, Stéfano Di Carlo, stepped forward and was present at the Ezeiza training ground this Monday to back Marcelo Gallardo for the team's immediate future. According to the Argentine News Agency, the surprising gesture by the millionaire leadership aims to cool down the wave of rumors indicating an imminent resignation of the 'Muñeco'. This move is a strong indication that he will be on the bench next Thursday when River receives Banfield in Núñez. If he chooses to continue to try to turn the tide around, he knows he has the presidential backing; if he decides to throw in the towel and close this bleak second cycle, it will be purely a personal decision. The leadership hierarchy maintains its stance of supporting the project started just a few months ago, leaving the final decision exclusively in the hands of the coach. An unusual show of support at River Camp. Di Carlo's presence in Ezeiza did not go unnoticed by River's inner circle, as it is not customary for the highest authority to accompany the team during daily training sessions. The objective: to provide explicit and in-person support to Gallardo after the tough defeat to Vélez, which marked the tenth loss in the last 15 matches played. No top-level meetings: From the offices of the Monumental Stadium, it was confirmed that there was and will not be a formal one-on-one meeting between the president and the manager to influence his departure. The leadership's backing: The 'Muñeco' is considered a cornerstone of the current leadership's project (elected last November), so his continuity is not in doubt by the directive commission. The ball is in Gallardo's court. Despite the firm institutional backing, the sporting present is eloquent. With 12 defeats in his last 20 matches (13 counting the elimination on penalties against Independiente Rivadavia), Gallardo is going through his worst moment since his return to the club and, for the first time, is considering stepping aside. After leaving the José Amalfitani stadium in absolute silence and then asking for 24 to 48 hours to reflect, the coach took charge of Monday's training session.
