Former Ecuador national team coach Jorge Célico has strongly criticized the process that brought young talent Kendry Páez to Club Atlético River Plate. In statements reported by El Universo Deportes, Célico argued the player was not well advised and that his brief stint at the Argentine club was a mistake. This analysis comes as River Plate, with 10 points from 8 games, sits ninth in the Liga Profesional Argentina, six points behind leaders Argentinos JRS.
What did Jorge Célico say about Kendry Páez?
Jorge Célico, who coached Páez in Ecuador's under-17 national team, was blunt in his assessment. "For me, Kendry is not well advised. He has the conditions; I had him in the under-17s." stated the coach. Célico knows the midfielder's abilities well but believes his career was handled too hastily.
The former manager emphasized that the main flaw was rushing the player's development, skipping essential formative steps. "It was a mistake to skip steps with him; he didn't play in the under-20 World Cup in that category." Célico explained. This criticism points directly at the decision to send Páez, then owned by Chelsea, to a top-tier club like River Plate without a more gradual transition.
How was Páez's stint at River Plate?
Kendry Páez joined River Plate on loan from English club Chelsea at the start of the 2026 season. Expectations were high for the young Ecuadorian talent, but his performance failed to solidify within the Millonario squad. At the end of the year, the player returned to his parent club, Chelsea, where he currently is part of the under-21 team. Under the rules, he cannot be loaned to another club at this time.
His brief stay at the Monumental did not leave the expected mark, a fact now being analyzed in light of Célico's comments. River Plate's current context is one of rebuilding confidence, following a positive run of three consecutive wins, including a 3-1 victory over Independiente Rivadavia on September 6th. The team has scored 10 goals and conceded 9 so far in the championship.
What context does River Plate face now?
While the Páez case is analyzed, River Plate must focus on the present competition. The team approaches its next fixture with high morale, after a five-match unbeaten run (three wins and two draws). This good form will be tested in a tricky away game. This coming Saturday, September 12th, the Millonario will visit Atlético Tucumán, a rival currently sitting fourth in the Liga Profesional standings.
This match will be key to closing the gap with the leaders. The squad managed by Martín Demichelis will look to maintain the solidity shown in recent outings. Fans can follow the team's progress and check the probable lineup on our dedicated squad page. The collective performance seems to have found a better direction after an irregular start to the season.
Célico's critique serves as a reflection on the management of young talents in modern football. For River Plate, the immediate focus is on capitalizing on their good run and earning three points in Tucumán. The team needs points to climb the table in a very tight standings race. The upcoming away trip to a direct rival is a perfect opportunity to show they have overcome their early-season struggles.
