Mastantuono's move to Real Madrid was premature, says River boss Gallardo
Gallardo acknowledged Mastantuono's departure will leave a void in his squad after the Spanish giants completed a deal worth around US$45 million with River for the teenager earlier this month.
For the Argentine manager, the midfielder still needed more time to grow at the club, but he acknowledged the early transfer as an understandable part of modern football.
"It's natural, we train players for the world. Everything is happening earlier, young players are leaving faster, and I understand that those are the rules of the game," Gallardo told ESPN on Friday.
"Our sporting project for the year was with him. We have to readjust, because there are players who, by their nature, are difficult to replace.
"We knew that Mastantuono was going to leave at some point, but fans don't enjoy it that way. The market dictates the timing."
Gallardo said he's urging Mastantuono to stay focused on the tournament despite the noise around his move.
"All I want is for him to play naturally, to try to forget about everything that's going on, which is very difficult," he said.
"I don't talk to him about where he's going to live or anything like that. I want him to play, which is what he knows how to do."
River began their Club World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds, a result Gallardo described as key to easing early nerves.
"We are happy to be able to be in a competition like this, a new one," he said. "I'm excited about how it's going, it was essential to start with a win and get over the nerves.
"Now we're preparing for the match in Monterrey, which is a different level of difficulty."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Soccer-US fans can learn from unbelievable Guatemala supporters, Pochettino says
Soccer Football - International Friendly - Mexico v United States - Akron Stadium, Guadalajara, Mexico - October 15, 2024 Mauricio Pochettino coach of U.S. during the match REUTERS/Fernando Carranza (Reuters) -United States coach Mauricio Pochettino said Wednesday's 2-1 win over Guatemala in the CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-finals felt like a game on the road, adding that the spirit of the opposing fans was something American supporters could learn from. Over 22,000 spectators attended the match in St. Louis and the majority were Guatemala supporters, loudly backing their team throughout the game even as Diego Luna's early brace helped the U.S. reach the final, where they face Mexico on Sunday. "The fans of Guatemala, I need to say, wow, unbelievable. It was like, to play there. And that was good for our players because it was an atmosphere we didn't expect," former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager Pochettino told reporters. Argentine Pochettino said he hoped to see the same passion from American fans when the World Cup takes place in the U.S. next year. "An unbelievable energy. That is football, that is football. When we say, the connection between the team and the fans, that's the connection we'd like to see at the World Cup. The connection that makes you fly," he said. "When we talk about culture, that is culture ... to see (Guatemala), how they fight, how the fans behave, that is an important thing that we need to learn in this country." Pochettino said that in many countries, soccer matches were seen as much more than sporting spectacles. "In a different country, you play (to) survive. You play for food. You play for pride ... it's not to enjoy, go home and laugh, that's it," he said. "The moment that we, this roster, start to live in this way, I think we have big room to improve." (Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris)
New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Bale offers RM230mil to Vincent Tan for Cardiff City
KUALA LUMPUR: A consortium led by former Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has submitted a £40 million (RM230 million) bid to buy Welsh club Cardiff City. The former Wales captain, who has long shown interest in football ownership, was previously linked to a takeover of Plymouth Argyle but that deal never materialised. Cardiff's owner, Tan Sri Vincent Tan, has already expressed his willingness to sell and is said to be open to negotiations. According to The Times, a formal bid has been submitted, with backing from American investors. Bale, a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid and capped 111 times for Wales, is now preparing to step into club ownership. The latest offer is, however, expected to be rejected — although talks are still ongoing and a deal could yet be struck. "We are interested in getting Cardiff," Bale told the Times last month. "It's my home club, it's where I grew up and my uncle (Chris Pike) used to play for them. To be involved with an ownership group would be a dream come true. "It's a club close to my heart. I'd love to help grow Cardiff and take the club to the Premier League, where it belong. "I know how amazing the Welsh and Cardiff fans are. It would be amazing to try and do something together. "We are trying to engage with Cardiff, and more news will come out in the future. Hopefully, we can get something done." A previous offer was also turned down, and while this latest £40m bid is likely to face the same fate, both parties remain open to reaching an agreement. – AGENCIES
Malaysian Reserve
9 hours ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Hisense Brings Global Fans Closer to the Game with "Own the Moment" Experiences During FIFA Club World Cup 2025™
QINGDAO, China, July 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hisense, a leading brand in global consumer electronics and home appliances, is delivering unforgettable fan moments during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ with its global 'Own the Moment' campaign. At MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, Hisense created a 100-square-meter immersive technology experience zone that became a 'second home stadium' for fans. Open across 28 days and 9 match days, the zone showcases TVs, Laser TVs, refrigerators, and air conditioners through immersive scenarios. The RGB-MiniLED TV zone, featuring 100″ U7, 100″ U8, and 116″ UX models, drew thousands into an interactive soccer shooting game. Across the U.S., Hisense is connecting with fans through a multi-city 'Own the Moment' tour and a dedicated pop-up at American Dream Mall. The tour, visiting 19 cities via retail parking lot activations, invites visitors to watch matches on giant screens, play football-themed video games, cool off with Hisense appliances, and create AI-powered trading cards. Meanwhile, the pop-up store at American Dream Mall (June 23–July 14) offers hands-on access to Hisense's latest innovations, including the flagship 116″ TV and a Cross-door smart refrigerator, alongside daily giveaways and featured activations with products like the VAR Challenge and Live Game Zone. To learn more about the Hisense Own the Moment Tour and other activations, and to find additional tour stops near you, visit Catching the growing momentum of FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Hisense brought a landmark experience to the Middle East with a spectacular roadshow at Dubai's iconic Mall of the Emirates. The event featured a special appearance by former Real Madrid goalkeeper, Mr. Iker Casillas, drawing enthusiastic crowds and elevating the brand's strong ties with global sport. In a major product milestone, Hisense also unveiled the world's first 116-inch RGB-MiniLED TV, powered by the brand's most advanced AI processor. The cutting-edge TV delivers ultra-vivid colors, exceptional brightness, and crystal-clear picture quality, underscoring Hisense's position at the forefront of home entertainment technology. Capitalizing on its Real Madrid Sponsorship, Hisense showcased an exclusive Real Madrid limited edition product lineup—a unique offering for fans and a further demonstration of the brand's commitment to combining sport and innovation. The space came alive with interactive activations, celebrity appearances, and influencer moments, generating strong media buzz and reinforcing Hisense's role as a global innovator in entertainment technology. 'Technology has become an essential part of how fans experience football today,' said Iker Casillas. 'Whether you're in the stadium or at home, the quality of the viewing experience shapes how you connect with the game. It's impressive to see how companies like Hisense are pushing the boundaries of what's possible, making it easier for fans to feel closer to the action, the atmosphere, and the emotion of every match.' Around the world, Hisense is helping fans truly Own the Moment. By blending world-class technology with unforgettable experiences, Hisense is turning every matchday into a personal celebration of sport, innovation, and connection. About Hisense Hisense, founded in 1969, is a globally recognized leader in home appliances and consumer electronics with operations in over 160 countries, specializing in delivering high-quality multimedia products, home appliances, and intelligent IT solutions. According to Omdia, Hisense ranks No. 2 worldwide in total TV volume shipments (2022-2024) and No. 1 globally in the 100-inch and over TV segment (2023- Q12025). As the first official partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, Hisense is committed to global sports partnerships as a way to connect with audiences worldwide. Photo – Photo – View original content:
