Club Atlético River Plate returned from the Tigre match without points and with a loss that deepens the team's crisis. On July 1, Nacho Russo scored the only goal and coach Eduardo Coudet responded with a 2,060‑word press conference, where the word "time" echoed like a mantra.
What did Coudet say?
Coudet began by calling the situation "very complex" and stating the priority is "to win, first win". He warned that if he cannot turn the streak around, "I will hug each one and go home". In his seven answers, urgency appeared 28 times, while tactical football only five mentions. The coach described himself as "the most self‑critical" and demanded responsibility from players and the board.
Why does the self‑criticism matter?
Coudet's self‑criticism shows internal pressure that goes beyond the pitch. He noted that the recent market was "huge" and that the squad is in a "reconstruction" that takes time. Yet he warned that if results do not appear soon, his tenure could be in jeopardy. This stance reinforces the need for quick results in a league where River finished 2025 in sixth place with 22 pts, 6 W‑4 D‑6 L and a recent form DLLWL.
How does it affect the title race?
River Plate sits 9 points behind leader Rosario Central, with 20 goals scored and 15 conceded, a +5 goal difference. Every dropped point pushes the club further from the championship fight and raises pressure on Coudet. Defensive frailties and lack of goals were not omitted, recalling that "you don't win 5‑0 just because you have better players".
What’s next for River Plate?
Coudet promised the next training session will be decisive and that incoming players must adapt quickly. He insisted there will be no excuses and that work will be intense. Meanwhile, the board will watch the next match's result to decide if the coach remains in charge. With the season underway, expectations are that River Plate will turn urgency into wins to re‑enter the title chase.
Current fact: in the 2025 final table, River Plate placed sixth with 22 points, 6 wins, 4 draws and 6 losses, and a recent DLLWL run. The goal difference is +5, with 20 scored and 15 conceded. The gap to the leader is 9 points behind Rosario Central.
