Overview
- The Federación Ecuatoriana de Fútbol has identified Marcelo Gallardo as its top choice but negotiations remain open because he has asked for specific personal, technical and financial terms.
- Reports say FEF president Francisco Egas met Gallardo in Madrid as part of ongoing talks, though no final contract has been signed.
- Key sticking points are the composition of Gallardo’s coaching staff, his desired influence over youth national teams, and the level of institutional autonomy tied to economic conditions.
- The FEF has activated contingency plans and has singled out Roberto Martínez as the principal backup option if talks with Gallardo do not conclude.
- The federation faces time pressure from an upcoming late-September/early-October international window, a factor that will shape how quickly officials resolve the coach selection and how they integrate the current player generation.