The most memorable lines from the River coach at the press briefing.
Martín Demichelis begins his tenure as a first-team coach with a blend of on-field experience and thoughtful preparation. His years as a player have given him a deep understanding of the game, and his time on the bench is shaping a clear vision for how River should play. When he faces the media, he often shares precise ideas about the team’s model and offers insightful analysis of the club’s matches.
At noon on February 10, Demichelis addressed reporters ahead of his first game at the Monumental against Argentinos Juniors.
Below are the standout moments from the coach’s press conference:
Demichelis’ style
He emphasized discipline and organization. “I value being very organized and punctual. A schedule matters. On day one I told the players that I will tolerate tactical errors, but not a lack of discipline.”
The upcoming match with Argentinos
Demichelis anticipated a balanced duel. “It will be a contest between equals. Argentinos often plays with composure when they have the ball. We will need to apply strong pressure to recover possession quickly and keep the tempo high.”
Possible presence of Passarella at the Monumental
He kept the focus on his responsibilities: “My duty is to prepare the match as well as possible so the team performs at a high level. The main players are the players.”
River’s injuries
Nico is progressing well and could return to part of the training next week. If all goes smoothly, he will join the squad later. It remains a day-to-day assessment. Agustín Palavecino and David Martínez are expected to be among the key contributors again.
Why River did not pursue a replacement for Zuculini
The coach explained that a market move was not his aim. “If we make an investment, we would need to manage a crowded midfield. Our captain is outstanding; Kranevitter is recovering well, De la Cruz is improving, and there are several other players who can contribute. We have options, so we stay with what we have.”
The defeat against Belgrano
He urged clarity and steadiness. “There is no reason to lose the path or panic when results are tough. Losses happen, but they become easier to rectify when the team stays calm. The truth is that the opponents capitalized on small details, and football often hinges on those moments.”
River’s lineup against Argentinos
Demichelis preferred stability over change. “I don’t like making changes unless necessary. Wins are the best moment to introduce tweaks, but there could still be alterations against Argentinos. The team is not yet final; there is one training session left.”
Demichelis and the Monumental crowd
He called the club’s growth a blessing and anticipated a full stadium. “It will be exhausting but incredibly special with about 83,000 supporters behind the team. The players are the protagonists, and we are here to help them deliver.
We expect a great performance.”
About Santi Simón
He noted that Santi Simón played a key role in River’s last title run, then briefly faded from the starting eleven. Now he is back in the mix, and Demichelis believes the young forward thrives when given confidence. “He’s a player who needs support and calm, and he functions better when he is mentally settled and focused.”
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