Ecuador Names Roberto Martínez as Backup Plan if Marcelo Gallardo Deal Falls Through

Marcelo Gallardo remains Ecuador’s preferred choice, but the federation has already identified a backup: Roberto Martínez. The Spanish coach is now also under consideration if talks with the Argentine fail to produce an agreement.

The Ecuadorian Football Federation is still negotiating with Gallardo, and the two sides have reached an understanding over the sporting project. The remaining discussions focus on financial terms. According to journalist César Merlo, Gallardo recently met federation president Francisco Egas in Madrid, where the proposal included a four-year contract for the coach and his staff.

Egas was considering extending his stay in Spain to try to complete the agreement and choose a replacement for Sebastián Beccacece. Gallardo would be taking charge of a national team for the first time if the deal is finalized.

Martínez became available after the last World Cup, where he coached Portugal to the round of 16. Portugal defeated Croatia in the round of 32 before losing to Spain, and drew with Colombia and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the group stage while beating Uzbekistan.

The Spaniard has also coached Swansea City, Wigan and Everton. He led Belgium to third place at the 2018 World Cup and won the Nations League with Portugal. His club honors include an English League One title and the FA Cup. Ecuador is scheduled to face South Korea on Sept. 24 before traveling to Japan for the Kirin Cup, matches that could open Gallardo’s new cycle if negotiations succeed.