End of cycle: Eduardo Coudet is no longer the coach of River

It’s over: Eduardo Coudet is no longer the coach of River. Following the elimination on penalties against Independiente Santa Fe in the round of 16 of the Sudamericana Cup, through a press conference, Stéfano Di Carlo, president of the club, was the one to announce Chacho's departure.

The head of the Millonario was the first to speak and explained that, after Wednesday's match, the coach expressed his desire to step aside and assured that the decision was supported by the institution. "We come from many issues, but the one that brings us together today following yesterday's match, Chacho has expressed his desire to step aside. We started this process with determination and enormous conviction. We have always categorically supported everything done during the time Chacho has been the club's coach", Di Carlo began.

The president also emphasized that River supported the decision as it was a personal determination from Coudet and highlighted his journey at the helm of the team. "We believe that the correct, institutional, respectful, and grateful way to make this exit is to face it in this presentation. We believe that Chacho's professionalism, ability, work discipline, and not to mention his human quality, deserved a closure here at the club, thanking on behalf of the club for this journey and this uncomfortable situation you had to manage during this time", he stated.

Finally, Di Carlo confirmed that Leonardo Ponzio will lead the team on an interim basis along with Marcelo Escudero, the current reserve coach, and concluded with a final thank you to Coudet: "Thank you from the heart, Chacho.”

Coudet's latest statements

Then it was the turn of the now former coach of the Núñez club, who reflected on his cycle. "We had a good start both on a sporting and personal level. Being able to play a final (Apertura Tournament) and being first in a Copa qualifying group (Sudamericana). This second half we haven't started well, and we have said from the beginning that there was a process with the awareness that at River it is unsustainable in terms of results", he began.

"I was the first to set deadlines and was clear that in this club you have to win and play well. Regarding the game in the last matches, we started to play more and more and the players were understanding each other better, but also the urgent need to sustain it through results", he affirmed.

In that sense, Coudet referred to the elimination from the Sudamericana Cup and acknowledged that the result of the last match was decisive for his departure. "It didn't happen for us, I don't want to blame misfortune and bad luck. Yesterday was a match we could have won comfortably, and we ended up without qualification in the Cup and I think it was a decisive point, and I have said from the very first moment that the deadlines are the logical ones that this club requires. I love the demands of this club and its people", he asserted.

At the same time, the coach thanked the different sectors of the institution and especially his players. "Simply thank all the workers, directors, and my coaching staff. Not to run anyone off because everyone has had participation. Above all, thankful to the players, who without a doubt we have built a great squad that over time will bring a lot of joy. Of a really high technical and human level", he commented.

Finally, Coudet said goodbye convinced that the squad will have a future under whoever continues at River: "Time will put things in order, and this squad will give River many titles. From my place, I will be outside supporting and wishing the best. I don’t have much more to say: simply thank you to the fans, to the club, and to you for the time shared. Simply, the explanation we have to give is that this is football. Wishing the best and putting a final point to this".

Coudet's numbers as River's coach

In his nearly 6 months as coach of the Millonario, the native of Saavedra managed 27 matches, with a record of 14 victories, 4 draws, and 9 losses, and a balance of 47 goals for and 33 against.