Coudet Begins Tenure as River Plate Manager

BUENOS AIRES – Eduardo “Chacho” Coudet has officially begun his second stint as manager of River Plate, taking the reins of the Argentine giants following the departure of Marcelo Gallardo. The appointment, confirmed on Tuesday, marks a return for Coudet to a club where he previously enjoyed a successful playing career, and signals a new chapter for one of South America’s most storied football institutions.

A Familiar Face Returns to Núñez

River Plate president Stefano Di Carlo confirmed Coudet’s arrival to local media, stating the Argentine manager would be officially presented on Wednesday. The 51-year-old Coudet joins River after most recently managing Spanish side Alavés. His contract with River Plate will run through December 2027, according to reports. The club will compensate Alavés to terminate his existing contract.

Coudet’s arrival is particularly noteworthy given his history with the club. He played for River Plate from 1999 to 2004, winning five Primera División titles during his time as a midfielder. He similarly had a loan spell with Celta Vigo during that period. This existing connection, coupled with his proven track record as a coach, made him the clear choice for sporting director Enzo Francescoli, according to Di Carlo.

Early Impressions: A Warm Welcome and Immediate Operate

Footage released by River Plate on Thursday offered a glimpse into Coudet’s first day at the club. The video showed Coudet taking photos at the facilities and playfully interacting with jerseys bearing his old number, 8, joking that “My mom has these saved.” This lighthearted moment underscored the emotional connection Coudet has with the club and its supporters.

Following the photo session, Coudet addressed the media in a press conference, emphasizing the need for “unity” and a collaborative spirit. He expressed his excitement for the “lovely journey” ahead, signaling a positive and optimistic outlook for the team. He then posed for photos with the River Plate jersey before stepping onto the pitch at the iconic Estadio Monumental to greet fans.

The day culminated in Coudet leading his first training session. The video showed him greeting each player individually, offering words of encouragement: “I am convinced by all of you, that’s why I am here.” The players responded with applause, demonstrating a willingness to embrace Coudet’s leadership. The session itself included both physical conditioning and drills with the ball, as Coudet began to implement his tactical approach.

A Manager with a Diverse Resume

Coudet’s managerial career has been marked by success across several countries. Before returning to Argentina with River Plate, he managed Tijuana in Mexico, Celta Vigo in Spain, and Brazilian clubs Internacional and Atlético Mineiro. He also had spells with Rosario Central and Racing Club in Argentina. He won the Campeonato Mineiro with Atlético Mineiro in 2023, adding another trophy to his collection. His experience in diverse leagues and tactical systems will be valuable as he seeks to restore River Plate to its former glory.

Coudet replaces Marcelo Gallardo, who resigned last week after a successful but ultimately trophyless second spell at the club. Gallardo’s departure created a void that River Plate’s leadership sought to fill with a manager who understood the club’s culture and possessed a clear vision for the future. Coudet appears to fit that profile perfectly.

What’s Next for River Plate?

River Plate will continue their preparations for the upcoming season under Coudet’s guidance. The team’s next competitive fixture is yet to be announced, but fans will be eagerly anticipating their first opportunity to see Coudet’s River Plate in action. The focus will be on building a cohesive team and implementing a tactical system that can challenge for both domestic and continental honors. The club will undoubtedly be looking to quickly translate Coudet’s positive energy and tactical acumen into results on the pitch.

The appointment of Eduardo Coudet represents a significant moment for River Plate, a club steeped in tradition and ambition. As Coudet embarks on this new chapter, the hopes of the *Millonario* faithful will be firmly placed on his shoulders.