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Coudet to Leave River After Sudamericana Exit

The coach will confirm his departure at a 3 p.m. Monumental press conference as the board names Marcelo Escudero and Leonardo Ponzio interim while it weighs contract and political hurdles for a permanent replacement.

Overview

  • River was knocked out of the Copa Sudamericana by Independiente Santa Fe on penalties, and the loss prompted late-night meetings that led to Eduardo Coudet deciding to step down.
  • Coudet will make the departure official at a 15:00 press conference at the Monumental on Thursday and will say goodbye to players after the afternoon training session.
  • Marcelo Escudero will take interim charge of the first team with involvement from Leonardo Ponzio to prepare Sunday’s league match at Banfield.
  • The board has opened a formal search but faces clear constraints: Hernán Crespo is a leading target whose Atlas contract allows a move only from January 2027 or would require a multimillion-dollar buyout reportedly near $7 million for an immediate exit.
  • Fan protests inside the Monumental and visible director involvement have increased urgency, and the club is balancing pressure to act quickly with a preference for low‑profile or former-staff options such as Matías Biscay.