Marcelo Gallardo has delivered his first message directly to Ecuador’s players. His opening team meeting in South Korea put mutual understanding at the centre of La Tri’s preparations.
Meanwhile, the Asian tour leaves little time between introductions and competition. Ecuador faces South Korea on September 24, giving the new coach an immediate test.
Marcelo Gallardo sets the tone in South Korea
La Tri shared images of the meeting through its official channels, announcing the start of the new coaching era. Primicias places the gathering on Tuesday, September 22, with greetings and embraces between players and staff.
However, the central message concerned the work ahead. Gallardo stressed that the stay in Asia should help everyone get to know one another.
His first squad talk followed his September 17 presentation at the Casa de la Selección in Quito. Now, the Argentine has the players together and can explain his expectations directly.
"LO MÁS IMPORTANTE ES QUE VAMOS A APROVECHAR ESTA ESTADÍA ACÁ EN ASIA PARA IR CONOCIÉNDONOS ENTRE TODOS." Marcelo Gallardo al frente de la Selección de Ecuador para sus primeros partidos como DT en los Amistosos ante Corea Del Sur y Japón. ¿Cómo creés que le irá?
— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) September 23, 2026
📹 @FEFecuador pic.twitter.com/sfcL46g0GM
That contact matters because a national-team coach works within limited international windows. Unlike club football, the calendar offers fewer opportunities to repeat instructions across consecutive weeks.
Therefore, the opening camp must combine introductions with preparation for immediate fixtures. Ecuador’s players already know the demands of international football, but the coaching relationship starts here.
Meanwhile, Primicias also reported a hotel gym session during Tuesday’s preparations in South Korea. The same report outlined plans for a Wednesday press conference and a final pre match training session.
Experienced players have a role in bringing the group together
Gallardo starts with a squad built largely around Ecuador’s World Cup group. However, injuries prevent him from selecting several familiar names across the pitch.
Primicias reports that Piero Hincapié, Joel Ordóñez and Moisés Caicedo will miss the trip. Gonzalo Plata and Kevin Rodríguez also drop out through injury.
Meanwhile, the first call up combines familiar names with fresh opportunities. Ecuador’s published squad includes Willian Pacho, Pervis Estupiñán and Hernán Galíndez, alongside attacking options such as Keny Arroyo.
The practical challenge is turning that mix into shared decisions on the pitch. Experience helps most when teammates can use it.
The conversation moves towards tactical preparation
After addressing the group, Gallardo and his assistants moved into discussion of their football ideas. However, the opening message does not establish a confirmed formation or starting eleven.
From a tactical perspective, the first match should reveal how Ecuador connects its defensive, midfield and attacking lines. For example, pressing requires nearby teammates to move together when the first player closes down possession.
Similarly, attacking width needs support around the ball and cover behind advancing full-backs. These are useful points for assessing the debut, rather than confirmed details from the meeting. Training now gives the staff a chance to test those connections before competitive pressure arrives.
Three matches provide the first test of the new cycle
Marcelo Gallardo begins his matchday duties against South Korea at Suwon World Cup Stadium. Kickoff on Thursday, September 24, comes at 06:00 in mainland Ecuador.
Meanwhile, TC Televisión and Teleamazonas will carry the Asian tour on free-to-air television nationwide. That allows Ecuadorian supporters to follow the opening performances without another television subscription.
The Ecuador Asian tour then continues against Japan on October 1 in Yokohama. La Tri finishes against Panama or New Zealand on October 5 at Tokyo’s National Stadium.
Those final two fixtures belong to Kirin Cup 2026. According to the Japan Football Association, Ecuador’s result against Japan determines its final or third place placement.
Consequently, the schedule offers different opponents and a tournament outcome alongside the broader preparation.
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