Juan Fernando Quintero faces harsh criticism in Argentina following his recent comments about his departure from Club Atlético River Plate. Journalist Toti Pasman accused the Colombian of thinking he's superior to the millionaire club after his words about former coach Eduardo Coudet.
El Tiempo Deportes reported Pasman's strong statements on the program De Fútbol Se Habla Así on DSports Argentina. The journalist claimed Quintero "thinks he's bigger than River Plate" and disrespected the club after his historic goal in the Copa Libertadores final against Boca Juniors. Pasman went further by suggesting the Colombian might enjoy River's current struggles and urged the leadership not to re-sign him.
What exactly did Juanfer Quintero say?
The Colombian midfielder spoke with Win Sports on the Wednesday before this report. Quintero, who now plays for Independiente Medellín, stated he will always be grateful to River Plate but defended his previous comments. "I never disrespected anyone. I simply said the words I felt and what I experienced personally," declared the player.
Quintero referenced his departure and the subsequent dismissal of Eduardo 'el Chacho' Coudet, who left his position as River Plate coach one week before the report. The Colombian said "time proved me right" about that situation. He also mentioned he now has a coach who gives him confidence and knows him well, contrasting with his final experience at the Núñez club.
What is River Plate's current situation?
River Plate's current context adds another layer to this controversy. The team finds itself in a complicated position in the Liga Profesional Argentina, occupying eleventh place with only 7 points after 7 matches. Their record shows 2 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses, with a negative goal difference of -1 (7 scored, 8 conceded).
The gap to the top is significant: River Plate trails leaders Argentinos Juniors by 9 points. Their recent form isn't encouraging either, with just 1 victory, 1 draw, and 3 defeats in their last five outings. However, the team comes off an important 3-2 win against Banfield on August 30th, a result that could mark a turning point. You can follow the team's evolution on our stats page.
What does this controversy mean for the future?
Pasman's words included a direct reference to Leonardo Ponzio, Quintero's former teammate at River Plate, as an example of the commitment that should prevail. The journalist was categorical in recommending the club not repeat the experience of a third stint with the Colombian, who already had two previous spells at the Monumental.
This controversy comes at a delicate time for River Plate, who were eliminated from the Copa Sudamericana by Independiente Santa Fe. The team must now focus on improving their performance in the domestic league, where their next challenge will be hosting Independiente Rivadavia on September 6th. This opponent sits sixth in the table, promising a complicated match. Check all schedule details in our fixtures section.
The current squad situation and their performance can be reviewed in the squad section, which details all recent departures and arrivals. The team needs to quickly find consistency to close the gap with the Argentine championship leaders.
