The current situation of River continues to generate significant opinions, and one of the most authoritative voices to analyze the club's present is undoubtedly Rodolfo D'Onofrio. In an extensive interview with Radio La Red, the former president supported the management of Stéfano Di Carlo, defended the work of Eduardo Coudet despite recent poor results, and expressed optimism about the team's future, asserting that the squad is going through a reconstruction phase that can bear fruit.
His view on River's present
When asked about the moment River is going through, D'Onofrio urged to put the present in perspective and stated: "The people have every right to express themselves as they wish", although he emphasized that criticism is part of football. In that sense, he recalled that even the Argentine National Team and Lionel Messi went through questioning phases before achieving success.
He then recalled the institutional situation he found when he took office in 2013 and highlighted the club's growth since then: "We were bankrupt, and today we have almost the best stadium in South America. If you give the people something, they take care of it. If you don't give them anything, they won't. That's why I believe River has absolutely everything today. As I always say: River is the Colón, but it lacks the artists."
The meeting with Stéfano Di Carlo
D'Onofrio revealed that he had a meeting with Stéfano Di Carlo and mentioned that he found him strengthened to face the sporting moment. "I saw him very well, optimistic. I saw him with the strength to face what he is facing, with the support of the directors around him, and I am convinced that it is just a matter of getting the ball to go in", he assured.
Additionally, he recalled that he has known the current president since his early years at the club and highlighted his qualities to lead the institution: "I met him when I arrived at River. He is brilliant. I am sure that he is brilliant for managing and administering the club. He is a guy with a different capacity; he knows absolutely everything, has all the numbers in his head, and knows what is happening".
He also clarified about the relationship he maintains with the official: "I have not bothered for years if they don't call me. I am available to give an opinion, but not to impose".
The importance of leadership
When asked about the weight of football within River's political structure, D'Onofrio explained: "Clubs like River need strong leadership from the president, those who accompany him, as well as from the coach and some players within the squad".
In that sense, he recalled the period he shared with Marcelo Gallardo, Leonardo Ponzio, Javier Pinola, and Jonatan Maidana, and considered that the current squad is beginning to find new leaders. "I am starting to have much more confidence than I had a couple of weeks ago because I believe that leaders are beginning to appear, and that is very important. I think the arrival of Otamendi and several of those who are coming in now have a good relationship among them. Coudet is a leader", he stated.
His criticism of the sidelined players and his opinion on the new squad
One of the few criticisms he made was regarding the decision to move the players separated from the squad to the Cantilo facility. "Just like I told Di Carlo yesterday: 'You made a mistake, that's wrong, I think it was an error'", he revealed.
However, he clarified: "I differentiate between the method and the decision", explaining that his objection was solely aimed at the methods and not at the determination to dispense with those players. He also emphasized that many of those players no longer had the support of the fans and that the club needed a deep renewal.
