Coudet Demands Consistency After River Plate’s Gritty Victory Over Racing

Eduardo Coudet is off to a flying start with River Plate, but the manager isn’t letting a winning streak mask the tactical gaps he sees in his squad. Following a 2-0 victory over Racing at the Cilindro de Avellaneda on Sunday, the “Chacho” made it clear that while the three points are paramount, the process of transforming the Millonario into a consistent force—both at home and on the road—is still underway.

The win, which came during the 14th matchday of Zona B in the Torneo Apertura 2026, marks Coudet’s fifth victory in his first six matches in charge. It is a turnaround that has breathed new life into a team that, according to recent analysis, had appeared to be merely going through the motions during the latter stages of Marcelo Gallardo’s second tenure and the subsequent period under Martín Demichelis.

The Challenge of the Cilindro

Winning in Avellaneda is never a simple task, and Coudet acknowledged the hostile environment and the physical pressure applied by Racing. He noted that the opposing side, characterized by their ability to skip lines and a strong presence in second-ball situations, presented a specific challenge that River is not yet naturally equipped to handle.

“It is difficult to play in the Cilindro, the people push,” Coudet said, reflecting on the match. He pointed out that River did not start the game “finely” and struggled against a physical opponent. He specifically highlighted the impact of “Maravilla,” noting how the player complicated River’s defensive efforts throughout the contest.

For Coudet, the victory was a testament to the team’s solidarity rather than tactical perfection. He described his squad as “short” after losing possession, meaning they cover ground effectively to support one another, but he believes this reliance on sheer effort is a symptom of a lack of refinement.

Bridging the Gap: Home vs. Away

One of the primary objectives Coudet has set for himself is the elimination of the “home field advantage” mentality. In his view, a truly elite team should project the same identity regardless of where the match is played. While River has felt more comfortable in recent outings at the Monumental, Coudet admits the team is still lacking that same confidence when traveling.

“My objective is to be able to play the same way at home as away, and we are still missing a little bit of that,” Coudet explained. He believes that as the team gains more “rodaje”—or match rhythm—they will feel more comfortable and, will not need to run as much to achieve the same results.

This need for efficiency is closely tied to the team’s current workload. Coudet noted that the demanding schedule, with matches every three days, makes it difficult to implement the full scope of his training regime. He recalled a significant improvement in performance during a previous 15-day window of uninterrupted work, suggesting that time and recovery are the keys to unlocking the team’s full potential.

Investing in Youth and Intensity

The current success has too been built on a willingness to trust the next generation. Coudet has been integrating younger players into the starting lineup, though he cautioned that the weight of playing for a club like River Plate can be heavy for those just starting their careers.

“We have to supply responsibilities to young players, who play because they are the ones who are best, but Here’s heavy,” Coudet said. He believes that time and experience will eventually allow these players to feel more at ease in high-pressure environments.

Coudet’s arrival has brought a distinct energy to the sidelines and the pitch. Known for an intense, possession-based style of football, he is attempting to instill a “manic energy” that mirrors his own coaching persona. This shift comes at a pivotal time for the club, as River Plate competes in the Copa Sudamericana for the first time since 2014.

A Sentimental Return to Racing

Beyond the tactics, the match carried significant emotional weight for Coudet. Having previously managed Racing, the coach took a moment to express his gratitude toward the club and its supporters.

“I am a sentimental guy. I don’t like to appear mediatically, but stop saying that I am grateful to Racing,” he confessed. This respect extended to the current Racing management; Coudet was effusive in his praise for coach Costas, stating simply, “I love him.” He also acknowledged the acquisition of Tobías Ramírez, a player he had previously given the opportunity to debut.

The Road Ahead

Despite the 2-0 result and the positive trajectory, Coudet remains a demanding leader. He insisted that the team can “function and play better,” emphasizing that winning makes it easier to correct mistakes, but it should not lead to complacency.

River Plate continues to climb the standings in the Torneo Apertura 2026, using their domestic form as a springboard for their continental ambitions in the Sudamericana. For Coudet, the goal is clear: evolve from a team that wins through effort and solidarity into one that dominates through tactical precision and consistent identity.

The Millonario will now look to maintain this momentum as they continue their campaign in Zona B, with the focus remaining on reducing physical exertion through better positioning and further integrating the youth prospects into the first team.

Do you think Coudet’s intense style is the right fit for the current River squad, or is the reliance on young players too risky in a tight title race? Let us know in the comments.