On Saturday, the itthad of Jeddah announced the appointment of Argentina’s Marcelo Gallardo as technical director of the Tigers, succeeding Portuguese Nuno Santo.
The club crowned Roshn League last season, 2023/2022, revealed that they had signed the 47-year-old coach to a one-and-a-half-year contract.
The itthad jeddahClub said through its account on the platform “X” (previously Twitter): “The Board of Directors wishes success to the coach and his assisting apparatus, and to contribute with all members of the team to the aspirations of the itthad fans entrusted to stand behind her club, and support him throughout his career.”
Thrilled to welcome Gallardo, our new coach from Argentina! 👏#غاياردو_اتحادي
#Gallardo2Ittihad pic.twitter.com/h8vUgGpTQL— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) November 18, 2023
The Tigers welcomed Marcelo Gallardo in several tweets, saying in one: “Gaardo is a leader of the technical rudder in the Tiger Battalion”, and in another: “Argentine Technical School back in Al-litthad”.
Marcelo Gallardo had started his coaching career with Uruguayan club Nacional in 2011, then led Argentina’s River Plate Club for almost 8 years, during which he had achieved a number of tournaments.
According to Saudi newspaper Al-Youm, once the technical director arrives in the Kingdom, the Argentine will receive a huge annual salary of up to 22 million euros, becoming one of the world’s highest paid coaches.
According to sports news, Giardo will become the world’s second-highest paid coach after compatriot Diego Simeone, head coach of the Spanish team Atletico Madrid (37 million euros per year).
Giardo will overtake Spain’s Pep Guardiola, the England manager, who receives an annual salary of 20 million euros, and the Liverpool manager. German Jürgen Klopp (15 million euros per season).
Jayardo will take charge of the Tigers’ Castle following the dismissal of Portuguese coach Nuno Santo due to fluctuating results.
Jayardo left River Plate by the end of last year, after a long stint with the Argentine giant, with a host of local and continental titles.
