River Plate Breaks Tradition: Why Spain Could Host 2026 Winter Preseason

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief of Archysport

Buenos Aires — River Plate is on the verge of a historic shift in its preseason planning. For the first time in recent memory, the Argentine giant is seriously considering Spain as the destination for its 2026 winter preseason, a move that would mark a dramatic departure from its traditional approach under former coach Marcelo Gallardo.

The Big Change: From Patagonia to Spain

River Plate’s preseason strategy has long been defined by its preference for domestic locations, particularly San Martín de los Andes in Patagonia. The club’s January 2026 preseason, led by Gallardo, followed this familiar script, with the team training at high altitude in a secluded environment. But the arrival of Eduardo “Chacho” Coudet as head coach in 2026 has introduced a recent vision—one that looks beyond Argentina’s borders.

According to reports from TyC Sports, River Plate is evaluating Spain as the potential site for its mid-year preseason, a decision driven by both practical and strategic considerations. The club’s leadership, including Coudet, is reportedly in favor of the move, which would allow the team to train in Europe’s summer conditions while Argentina faces its harsh winter.

Why Spain? Climate, Logistics, and Familiarity

The primary motivation behind the potential shift is climate. Argentina’s winter, which runs from June to August, presents challenging conditions for outdoor training. Spain’s summer, by contrast, offers ideal weather for physical and tactical preparation. This advantage is particularly appealing for a team looking to fine-tune its performance ahead of the second half of the Argentine Primera División season.

Logistics also play a key role. Coudet’s recent stint as head coach of Deportivo Alavés in Spain’s La Liga has given him firsthand knowledge of the country’s infrastructure. His familiarity with potential training sites and local contacts could streamline the planning process, making Spain a more feasible option than other international destinations.

the move could open doors for high-profile friendlies against Spanish clubs, providing River Plate with competitive preparation ahead of the season’s restart. While no specific opponents have been confirmed, the club is reportedly exploring options to schedule matches that would serve as both a test and a marketing opportunity.

A Departure from Tradition

River Plate’s potential preseason in Spain would represent a significant break from its recent history. Under Gallardo, the club favored domestic preseasons, often opting for locations like San Martín de los Andes, which offered altitude training and a focused environment. This approach was seen as a key part of Gallardo’s success, which included multiple domestic and international titles.

Coudet’s arrival has ushered in a new era for River Plate, one that emphasizes flexibility and adaptation. The coach’s European experience has clearly influenced the club’s thinking, with Spain emerging as the most concrete alternative to Argentina’s winter. While the decision has not yet been finalized, TyC Sports reports that the idea is gaining traction within the club’s leadership and is viewed as the most viable option.

What’s Next: The Decision and Its Implications

River Plate’s leadership is currently working to identify a suitable training base in Spain. The process involves evaluating infrastructure, travel logistics, and potential friendly matches. While Madrid has been ruled out as a possible location, other regions remain under consideration. The club has not yet announced a timeline for the final decision, but sources suggest that an official announcement could approach in the coming weeks.

If the move to Spain is confirmed, it would mark a significant shift in River Plate’s preseason strategy. The club would join a growing list of South American teams that have opted for international preseasons in recent years, a trend driven by the desire to escape harsh domestic conditions and gain exposure to new tactical environments. For River Plate, the potential preseason in Spain could serve as a statement of intent—a signal that the club is embracing change under Coudet’s leadership.

Key Takeaways

• Historic Shift: River Plate is considering Spain for its 2026 winter preseason, a move that would break from its traditional domestic approach.
• Climate Advantage: Spain’s summer conditions offer a stark contrast to Argentina’s winter, providing ideal training weather.
• Coudet’s Influence: Eduardo Coudet’s recent experience in Spain’s La Liga has made the country a more feasible option for the preseason.
• Logistical Challenges: The club is evaluating infrastructure, travel, and potential friendly matches as part of the planning process.
• No Final Decision Yet: While the idea is gaining traction, River Plate has not yet confirmed Spain as the preseason destination.

What’s Next for River Plate?

River Plate’s next official update on its preseason plans is expected in the coming weeks. The club is likely to announce its decision alongside details about training locations and potential friendly matches. Fans can follow official updates on River Plate’s website and social media channels.

For now, the potential preseason in Spain remains a topic of speculation and excitement. If confirmed, it would mark a new chapter for River Plate—one defined by innovation, adaptation, and a willingness to break from tradition.

What do you think about River Plate’s potential preseason in Spain? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media.