Club Atlético River Plate returns to having three head coaches in 2026, a fact that has not occurred since 2010, when Leonardo Astrada, Ángel Cappa and Juan José López alternated on the bench. The club, which modernized its stadium and has a flourishing economy, faces a season with a -2 goal difference, 4 points in 6 matches and 14th place in the Liga Profesional Argentina.
The 2010 context
In 2010, Daniel Passarella was president and the club was dealing with a crisis after its relegation in 2011. Ramón Díaz was considered a potential replacement for Leonardo Astrada, who was dismissed by a board decision. The season included Ángel Cappa, who managed 18 matches with a 50% points record before being replaced in November, and Jota Jota, who recorded four wins, one draw and one loss by December.
The three coaches of 2026
Leonardo Ponzio takes over as interim from December 2026, after Eduardo Coudet resigned following the Copa Sudamericana elimination and the end of the Clausura. Marcelo Gallardo, who coached the club between 2014 and 2022, left four years ago, while Martín Demichelis was in charge until 2024. The last time the club had three coaches in one year was in 2010, when the board was also led by Passarella.
Impact on the 2026 season
River Plate will play 10 matches under Ponzio's direction, with a schedule that includes trips to Banfield, Independiente Rivadavia, Atlético Tucumán, Huracán, Sarmiento, Estudiantes de Río Cuarto, Belgrano, Racing, Boca and Aldosivi. The last result was a 2-2 draw against Velez Sarsfield on August 23, 2026, and recent form is 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses in the last five matches.
Budget and projection
The club, with a strong economy, allocates resources to coaching appointments and squad expansion. The league table shows River is 9 points behind Argentinos JRS, and their next match is away to Banfield, ranked 11th, on August 30, 2026.
Questions and answers
What does this mean for the summer budget?
Hiring three coaches in one year implies additional spending on commissions and salaries, but the club, with a strong economy, believes technical stability is key for title ambitions. The decision followed Coudet's departure, who failed to progress in international tournaments.
Where does it fit in the current squad?
Leonardo Ponzio, with experience as captain and executive, will take charge while the club aims to consolidate its position in the table. The squad has a wide and quality roster, and the board trusts that continuity of ideas will be possible despite changes.
What does the president say?
Rodolfo D'Onofrio, president of Club Atlético River Plate, said: "This is River, this is not like other clubs that fire coaches every six months". His statement reflects the intent to maintain technical coherence in the project.
Conclusion
The three-coach situation in 2026 marks a turning point for River Plate, which seeks to balance experience with freshness. With 4 points in 6 matches, a -2 goal difference and a demanding schedule, the club needs stability to compete for the title, while the calendar includes key matches against Banfield, Boca and other direct rivals.
