I want to believe.
The influence on Gallardo’s tactics from the great Argentinian managers such as Marcelo Bielsa and César Luis Menotti is clear, and similarities with coaches such as Pochettino, Simeone and Pep Guardiola are understandable. Preaching a high intensity pressing game, possession football played at a good tempo and solid defensive shape, it is easy to see why he has been linked to many of Europe’s largest clubs in recent years.
Gallardo likes his team to control the centre of the pitch, both defensively and offensively; packing his midfield with hard working technical players who can work the ball up the field to the two forwards. One thing Marcelo cannot be accused of is tactical inflexibility and will often switch shapes in order to best counter his opponent’s threats. According to WhoScored.com, River have played with no less than 4 different formations this year alone – 4-1-3-2, 4-2-2-2, 4-3-3 and the 4-4-2.