Former River Plate president Rodolfo D’Onofrio has spoken out about his worries regarding the current squad, pointing to a lack of leadership and star quality. His comments come as River Plate gets ready for important matches against San Lorenzo and in the Copa Sudamericana, all while dealing with some recent performance problems. The clubs strategic direction is set to get a boost with the appointment of Pablo Longoria as sporting director.
- D’Onofrio criticizes the current squad for lacking leadership and star power.
- Upcoming matches against San Lorenzo and Carabobo are very important for River Plate.
- Pablo Longoria’s appointment is expected to strengthen the club’s strategic direction.
D’Onofrio’s Concerns and Support for Coudet
In a pretty bold statement, D’Onofrio made clear his dissatisfaction with where the club stands right now, pointing to what he sees as a real lack of star power and leadership. His remark, “Tenemos el Colón, pero no tenemos los artistas,” really reflects his frustration. Despite all this though, he still backs coach Eduardo Coudet, and believes in his ability to guide the team through these difficult times.
D’Onofrio’s comments raise broader concerns about leadership gaps following the departure of key figures like Jonatan Maidana and Leonardo Ponzio. These players were so important to River Plate’s success during D’Onofrio’s time at the club, which included two Copa Libertadores titles. Current players are now under alot of pressure to step up, especially with upcoming matches that could have a big effect on their whole season.
🚨”Tenemos el Colón pero no tenemos los artistas”.
*️⃣Rodolfo D’Onofrio contra los jugadores de River en la previa de un partido clave ante San Lorenzo.
📹 @RiverLPM https://t.co/VS7MXkfl8M— César Luis Merlo (@CLMerlo)
May 06, 2026
Strategic Changes and Upcoming Challenges
The recent appointment of Pablo Longoria as River Plate’s sporting director is part of a bigger effort to breathe new life into the club, with a strong focus on improving scouting and youth development. River Plate’s upcoming match against San Lorenzo is a really important one, especially after their recent defeat to Atlético Tucumán. This match matters alot for their standing in the Argentine Primera Division, and also as a confidence booster ahead of their Copa Sudamericana clash against Carabobo.
Call for Unity and Support
D’Onofrio has called on fans for their support, urging them to stand by the team and stay away from any negative expressions. The former presidents call for unity comes at a time when the team really needs to show resilience and the ability to uphold the River Plate legacy. As the club works through these challenges, the focus stays on building a strong, cohesive team that can compete at the very highest levels.
For more information on River Plate’s strategic changes and upcoming challenges, check out:
