After a turbulent week surrounding his remarks, the Millionaire coach tests football players without filming in a friendly match.
River Plate aims to rebound after a painful Copa Libertadores exit and defeats to Argentinos Juniors and Vélez Sarsfield in the League Cup. The incident began when Martín Demichelis spoke more than intended during a media briefing, leading to repeated quotes and leaks that reached the squad. The buildup created friction between the players and the technical staff. Is the storm finally subsiding? With discussions ongoing, River Plate seized the FIFA date to schedule a friendly against Universidad Católica of Chile, a match seen as a chance to reset and evaluate options.
River’s match in 2023
The manager’s objective is to assess emerging talents and players still finding their footing. Among those considered are the newest signing, Sebastian Boselli, and Matias Kranevitter, who has returned from a serious injury this season, alongside Andres Herrera, who lost his position for football reasons but remains in contention for a return unless a new role is found. The plan is to give chances to fringe players who could push for more minutes as the campaign progresses.
It may also be possible that Bruno Zuculini adds minutes again after returning from a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee suffered earlier this year. The coaching staff will monitor his progression and see if he can contribute in high-intensity phases of the game. On the attacking side, Miguel Borja has solidified himself as a contender to retain the starting role after Salomón Rondón left to join his national team duties for World Cup qualifiers, a move that reshapes the team’s forward dynamic during this window.
THE CASES OF RIVER FOR THE FRIENDLY WITH THE CATHOLIC
The squad list called up for the friendly includes a mix of seasoned players and hopefuls. In goal, Centurion and Lavagnino will be options to rotate between the posts. In defense, the lineup spans experience and youth with Herrera, Casco, Enzo Díaz, Maidana, David Martínez, Paulo Díaz, Funes Mori, Mammana, and Boselli all in consideration for minutes. In midfield, Enzo Pérez, Palavecino, Kranevitter, Zuculini, Nacho Fernández, Lanzini, Esequiel Barco, and Claudio Echeverri provide a blend of creativity and ballast. Up front, Colidio, Suarez, and Borja form the nucleus of attacking ideas, with Borja eyesing a role that reflects the team’s immediate needs up front.
- Archers: Centurion and Lavagnino.
- Defenders: Herrera, Casco, Enzo Diaz, Maidana, David Martinez, Paulo Diaz, Funes Mori, Mammana, Boselli.
- Midfielders: Enzo Pérez, Palavecino, Kraneviter, Zuculini, Nacho Fernández, Lanzini, Esequiel Barco, Claudio Echeverri.
- Forward: Colidio, Suarez, Borja.
The formation of River versus Universidad Católica
With confirmation pending, the starting eleven could align as follows: Ezequiel Centurion in goal; Milton Casco, Paulo Díaz, Ramiro Funes Mori, Enzo Díaz in defense; Enzo Pérez, Agustin Palavecino in midfield; Nacho Fernández, Manuel Lanzini, Facundo Colidio across the attacking midfield and forward line; Miguel Borja leading the line. The arrangement concentrates on balancing defensive solidity with a clear potential to unlock the opponent’s defense through technical creativity in the midfield trio and the forward line.