Buenos Aires, Argentina – River Plate’s new manager, Eduardo Coudet, is closely monitoring the progress of his players currently on international duty, with particular attention paid to Colombian internationals Juan Fernando Quintero and Kevin Castaño. The pair were in action this weekend as Colombia faced Croatia in a friendly, and are now preparing for a match against France. Coudet, who officially took the reins at River Plate on March 4, 2026, is keen to assess the form and fitness of his squad members as they navigate the international break.
Colombia fell to a 2-1 defeat against Croatia on Thursday, with Castaño playing 30 minutes off the bench and Quintero seeing 20 minutes of action as a substitute. However, for Sunday’s friendly against France, Colombia manager Néstor Lorenzo opted to leave both River Plate players on the bench.
The decision to not start Quintero and Castaño has reportedly drawn criticism from Colombian fans, particularly regarding Quintero’s omission. The midfielder has been a key figure for River Plate, and supporters are eager to see him feature prominently for his national team, especially as Colombia prepares for the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Colombia’s performance has been under scrutiny, falling short of the high standards set during their run to the 2024 Copa América final, and fans are looking for a spark from their key players.
Quintero on the Bench: Reaction in Colombia
The Colombian fanbase expressed their discontent with Lorenzo’s decision, particularly regarding Quintero’s lack of playing time. Many believe Quintero’s creativity and playmaking ability are crucial to Colombia’s success, and his presence on the bench was seen as a missed opportunity. The debate highlights the expectations placed on the River Plate star to deliver for his national team.
How River Plate Players Fared During the International Break
Beyond Quintero and Castaño, other River Plate players were also involved in international action. Matías Viña did not feature in Uruguay’s 1-1 draw against England. Kendry Páez was surprisingly named on the bench for Ecuador’s 1-1 draw with Morocco, entering the match in the 77th minute. Marcos Acuña started and played 69 minutes for Argentina in their match against Mauritania, while Lucas Martínez Quarta did not see action in Argentina’s game against La Bombonera.
Martínez Quarta did participate in a friendly match between the senior Argentina squad and the Argentina Under-20 team. Ian Subiabre started for the youth side, while Martínez Quarta also featured in the starting lineup as the Under-20s fell to a 3-0 defeat against the United States.
The players are expected to return to River Plate between Wednesday and Thursday. All will be available for the upcoming league match against Belgrano next Sunday, provided they return without injury. Coudet will assess their fitness levels upon their return and determine who is fit to start.
Coudet’s arrival at River Plate marks a new chapter for the club, following the departure of Marcelo Gallardo. The former Racing Club manager, who also had a successful stint with Internacional, is tasked with revitalizing a squad that failed to qualify for the Copa Libertadores. He’s aiming to restore River Plate to its position as a dominant force in South American football. As reported by OneFootball on March 4, 2026, Coudet brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for implementing an aggressive and effective playing style.
The situation with Quintero and Castaño underscores the challenges Coudet faces in balancing club and international commitments. Maintaining the fitness and form of his key players while they are away on international duty is crucial to River Plate’s success. The manager will need to carefully manage their workloads and ensure they return to Buenos Aires in peak condition.
Looking ahead, River Plate will face Belgrano on Sunday. Coudet will be hoping to have a fully fit squad available for selection, including Quintero and Castaño, as he looks to build momentum and climb the league table. The upcoming match represents an important opportunity for River Plate to demonstrate their progress under their new manager and solidify their position as a contender in the Argentine Primera División.
Next Matches:
- Tuesday – Ecuador vs. Netherlands
- Tuesday – Uruguay vs. Algeria
- Tuesday – Argentina vs. Zambia
With this schedule, the players are expected to rejoin the River Plate squad between Wednesday and Thursday. All will be available for the match with Belgrano next Sunday, barring any injuries sustained during these international appearances, but Coudet will ultimately decide who plays, considering their physical condition.
