Matías Almeyda has responded to rumors linking him with Club Atlético River Plate, shutting the door on an immediate move. The Argentine manager, currently in charge of Monterrey in Liga MX, stated he will honor his word and his contract.
The search for a new head coach by the Núñez club intensified after the departure of Eduardo 'Chacho' Coudet. This vacancy has generated a stream of speculation, focusing on several Argentine managers working in Mexico. Besides Almeyda, names like Gabriel Milito and Hernán Crespo had been mentioned, but both have already publicly ruled out a possible return to Argentine football at this time.
What exactly did Almeyda say?
Almeyda addressed the rumors directly in the context of the Leagues Cup semifinal his team is facing against América. The manager was firm in affirming his loyalty to his current project. "I am a man of my word. I don't have a release clause, I have my word. I don't have to clarify anything." he declared.
With these words, the former River Plate player made it clear he will not follow the path of other managers who recently left Mexican clubs abruptly, like Fernando Gago at Chivas or Martín Anselmi at Cruz Azul. His immediate goal is to take Monterrey to the Leagues Cup final, where the winner of their match would face the victor of the clash between León and Toluca.
In what context is River Plate searching?
River Plate's search is happening during a period of recovery within the Liga Profesional Argentina. The team is coming off an important 3-2 victory against Banfield on August 30, a result that extends their unbeaten run to five matches, with three wins and two draws. This good form has moved the team to eleventh place in the table, with 7 points from 2 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses in the first seven rounds.
Despite the recent improvement, the team is still 9 points behind the leader, Argentinos Juniors. The goal difference is also tight, with 7 scored and 8 conceded. The next test will be at home against Independiente Rivadavia on September 6, an opponent currently in sixth place. Fans can follow the team's progress on our stats page and check the full schedule on fixtures.
Who else has ruled out a move?
Before Almeyda's statement, two other prominent candidates had distanced themselves from the speculation. Gabriel Milito, currently manager of Inter Miami, stated he is focused on his team and ruled out a move to Argentine football. Similarly, Hernán Crespo, who manages Sao Paulo, also dismissed the rumors, affirming his mind is on his current project in Brazil.
This leaves River Plate's board evaluating other options in the market, in a process that seems to be extending. The uncertainty in the dugout contrasts with the team's positive streak on the pitch, which aims to consolidate itself in the upper part of the standings. The next match at the Monumental will be a good gauge of the squad's current state.
