Frank Darío Kudelka Calls for Urgent Preseason After Newell’s Win Over Unión

Frank Darío Kudelka, head coach of Newell’s Old Boys, emphasized the need for an urgent preseason following his team’s 3-2 victory over Unión in Santa Fe on April 17, 2026. The win marked Newell’s fourth consecutive match without defeat, but Kudelka remained cautious, citing ongoing tactical and physical shortcomings despite the positive result.

The match, played at Unión’s home ground, began poorly for Newell’s as they fell behind early to a header from Unión’s Estigarribia. However, an own goal by the same player leveled the score before halftime. Newell’s then took the lead through a long-range effort from Jerónimo Russo, followed by a third goal from Ramón “Colo” Ramírez. Unión pulled one back late through Menossi, but Newell’s held on for the victory. Reinatti was widely cited as the standout performer for Newell’s in the match.

Despite the win, Kudelka criticized his team’s performance in aerial duels, stating they “lost almost every aerial battle” and that Unión’s strength in that phase forced tactical adjustments. He admitted the team struggled to maintain possession in the second half, saying they wanted to defend with the ball but were unable to do so, leading to a more protective approach.

Kudelka also reflected on the team’s progress since his arrival, noting that the squad is now competitive against opponents it previously struggled against. “The team is in competition with any rival that when I arrived it was not,” he said, suggesting improvement in overall squad capability.

Regarding individual performances, Kudelka praised Ramírez for his opportunistic goal and Russo for his powerful strike, acknowledging that Russo had missed chances in previous games but found the target this time. He highlighted Reinatti as a young player with significant attributes who delivered a strong performance.

The coach concluded by stressing that while the team showed both positive and negative aspects, continued hard work and ambitious thinking are necessary for future success. His repeated call for an “urgent preseason” underscores his belief that foundational work is still needed to build consistency and address recurring issues.

Newell’s Old Boys, based in Rosario, Argentina, compete in the Primera División, the top tier of Argentine football. The club has a storied history and is one of the most prominent teams in the country’s football landscape. Kudelka, an Argentine coach born in Freyre on May 12, 1961, has previously managed several clubs in Argentina and abroad before taking charge of Newell’s.

The victory over Unión contributed to Newell’s improving form after a tricky start to the 2026 season. Prior to this run, the team had endured a challenging period that included disappointing results at the end of the previous season. The four-match unbeaten streak represents a turning point in their campaign.

Looking ahead, Newell’s will aim to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures, though Kudelka’s insistence on an urgent preseason suggests he believes significant preparation is still required to sustain progress. The team’s next match and training schedule have not been detailed in the available sources.

For continued updates on Newell’s Old Boys and Frank Darío Kudelka’s leadership, fans are encouraged to follow official club communications and verified sports news outlets.

What are your thoughts on Kudelka’s assessment and Newell’s recent form? Share your perspective in the comments below.