Gallego returned to Córdoba in January 2001, with the club now in Segunda División. He made his professional debut on 14 January by starting in a 0–0 away draw against Albacete Balompié, and scored his first professional goal seven days later in a 2–0 home win against Sporting de Gijón.
After Recre'srelegation, Gallego returned to Terrassa. After suffering another drop, he moved down to the lower leagues, representing CF Badalona and Manresa before retiring in 2009, aged 37.
Managerial career
Immediately after retiring Gallego worked as a manager, being appointed at the helm of CE Sant Feliu Sasserra on 23 January 2010.[2] In July, he returned to former club CE Súria [ca], and achieved promotion to Segona Catalana with the latter in 2013.[3]
On 25 June 2013, Gallego was appointed manager of RCD Espanyol's youth setup, being in charge of the Juvenil squad.[4] He was named at the helm of the reserve team in the third division on 16 June 2016.[5]
Gallego was named as the manager of the first team on 20 April 2018 after the sacking of Quique Sánchez Flores.[6] Starting with a 2–0 win at neighbours Girona FC two days later, he won four and drew the other of his five fixtures, with ten goals for and two against; the run included victories at Atlético Madrid and Athletic Bilbao.[7] On 30 May, he returned to his previous role.[8]
On 6 June 2019, Gallego replaced Rubi at the helm of the main squad, after agreeing to a two-year contract.[9] He was sacked on 7 October after a poor run of results.[10]
Gallego was named in charge of Sporting de Gijón in the second division on 21 July 2020.[11] On 22 February 2022, after only achieving three wins in the last 17 matches, he was sacked.[12]
On 20 November 2022, Gallego replaced José Gomes at the helm of SD Ponferradina also in the second level.[13] He was shown the door on 10 April, with the team six points inside the relegation zone with seven games remaining.[14]
