Gallego could take over as Independiente coach - 9:41 AM, April 25, 2006

Americo Gallego, who manages Mexican soccer club Toluca, told Argentine radio station La Red on Friday that he is ready to lead Argentine club Independiente, which he last took to the championships in 2002.

"If Independiente wants me, I am ready. It would be an honor to lead them," said the Argentine manager, known to fans as Tolo. However, at present Toluca remains his priority, and he is currently negotiating with Toluca for a renewal of his contract there, he said.

The Argentine club, "have spoken with my agents, but they have not spoken directly to me, because they have a manager working for them," he said.

Independiente is managed by Julio Falcioni, who is hated by fans, because he has not managed to win the results hoped for. Gallego, 51 on Tuesday, has won at least one championship in each club he has managed.

In 1994, in his first managment role at River Plate, the team won the Argentine league Opening Championship without a single loss. He helped the team to another league trophy in 2000; won the 2002 trophy for Independiente in 2002, for Newell's Old Boys in 2004, and helped win the Mexican league Opening trophy for Toluca in 2005.

As a player, Tolo was an outstanding midfielder at Newell's and River, and was part of Argentina's World Cup winning squad in 1978.