Gallardo on private chat with Paulo Díaz and his River future | OneFootball

The coach revealed that, due to the lack of an offer that satisfies everyone, he had a conversation with the player and he will be considered once again. Will he take the field against Rosario Central?

When Paulo Díaz’s time at River seemed completely over, the Chilean reappeared on the bench in the first match of the Apertura Tournament against Barracas, and again at the Monumental against Gimnasia. In a press conference, Marcelo Gallardo confirmed that he would consider him again, although he would start the year as a substitute.

“If you stay, I will consider you, you worked very well. You will be taken into account, but you’ll have to start from the back”, said Muñeco, recounting what he told the 31-year-old defender. This change in stance was significant, as he ended 2025 without even being among the squad and, in fact, was not present in the two preseason friendlies, against Millonarios and Peñarol.

Paulo Díaz is being considered again, among other reasons, because almost the entire transfer window has passed and no convincing offer has arrived. “He had opportunities to leave, but we found that the offers that came in were not enough to let him go, because we consider him a very important player, or at least a player of stature”, added the coach.

Another reason for his presence among the substitutes again lies in the work the Chilean did during preseason in San Martín de los Andes and Punta del Este. “We saw the response during preparation, during preseason, which he did very well, conscientiously, very professionally”, admitted Gallardo.

Lucas Martínez Quarta and Lautaro Rivero are the undisputed starting center-backs. With Germán Pezzella still recovering (he’s not expected back until late March) and after the failed signing of Jhohan Romaña, today the only experienced alternative is Juan Carlos Portillo. Díaz’s reappearance is also explained by this situation.

Paulo arrived at River in mid-2019, at the express request of Muñeco himself. In the six and a half years he’s been at the club, he’s played 214 matches, scored 13 goals, and was considered one of the best center-backs on the continent. However, his performance declined alongside the team, and his relationship with the fans is very strained.

Criticized for making costly mistakes from time to time, his last appearance in a River shirt was in the lost superclásico against Boca at the Bombonera. That afternoon, the Chilean had a day to forget and his performance gave the impression that his cycle had ended, which was confirmed by his absence from subsequent call-ups. Now, circumstances are giving him the chance to fight for his spot once again.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.