Marcelo Gallardo has started his tenure as Ecuador head coach by calling up Ángelo Preciado, Alan Franco and Alan Minda for the upcoming Asian tour. The three defenders, all based at Brazilian club Atlético Mineiro, will join the squad for friendlies against South Korea and Japan.
Gallardo was officially unveiled last Thursday and these matches mark the beginning of his work ahead of the next World Cup qualifying cycle. Ecuador, currently sitting third in their qualifying group with 4 points, will use the tour to fine-tune preparations. Their next official fixture is away to South Korea on 24 September.
Atletico Mineiro confirmed the call-ups and wished their players well. In a statement, the club said: "The Colombian Kevin Castaño and the Ecuadorians Alan Franco, Alan Minda and Ángelo Preciado have been called up to represent their national teams in the upcoming FIFA date." The tour comprises three matches, starting with the South Korea clash before Ecuador participates in the Kirin Cup in Japan.
Squad context
The Tricolor enter these friendlies following an inconsistent run of form across their last five outings, recording two wins, one draw and two defeats. Their most recent result was a 2-0 loss to Mexico back in July. These games represent a vital opportunity for Gallardo to assess his squad and begin implementing his ideas. Fans can track the team's progress and view the full preparation schedule.
After the match in Korea, the squad will travel to Japan to face the hosts on 1 October. A third match in the Kirin Cup will then see them play either Panama or New Zealand. Gallardo's full squad list will be announced in the coming days.
Read the full report at El Universo Deportes
