The Ecuador national football team has a plan B in its search for a new head coach, with Spaniard Roberto Martínez as the alternative option to Marcelo Gallardo. El Comercio reported on September 4 that the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) is in talks with Gallardo but is also considering the former manager of Belgium and Portugal.
The national team, sitting third in its World Cup group with 4 points from one win, one draw, and one loss, seeks a new direction after its last result, a 2-0 defeat to Mexico on July 1. Its next fixture is a key friendly against South Korea on September 24, a match you can find on our fixtures page.
Who is Roberto Martínez?
Roberto Martínez is the name emerging as the main alternative if negotiations with Marcelo Gallardo fall through. Transfer specialist journalist Matteo Moretto revealed that, although Gallardo is the favorite, the FEF is also looking at the Spanish coach. Martínez became a free agent after managing Portugal at the last World Cup, where they reached the round of 16.
His career includes experience at both club and international level. He managed Belgium at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, achieving a third-place finish in Russia, and also won the Nations League with Portugal. At club level, he has been in charge of Swansea City, Wigan Athletic, and Everton in England, where he also lifted an FA Cup.
What is the status of the Gallardo negotiation?
According to journalist César Merlo, cited by El Comercio, Marcelo Gallardo and FEF president Francisco Egas met again in Madrid this week. The parties have already reached an understanding on the sporting project and discussions now focus on finalizing the financial terms of a proposed four-year contract.
The arrival of a new manager is key for a team whose recent form shows one win, two draws, and two losses in its last five matches. With only two goals scored and two conceded in the qualifying phase, the attack is an area requiring immediate attention. The current squad is listed on our squad page.
What is the sporting context for La Tri?
The Ecuador national team is undergoing this managerial renewal at a challenging sporting moment. The team has 4 points in World Cup qualifying, sitting just 2 points behind leader Germany, but has also lost its last two matches. This record of 1W-1D-1L highlights the need for stability.
The team's performance, with a 0 goal difference, underscores the urgency to define a solid technical project for the remainder of the qualifiers. Fans can follow the standings evolution on standings. The FEF hopes to have a decision soon, before the trip to Asia to face South Korea.
