Francescoli: River’s Libertadores exit wouldn’t be a failure | OneFootball

Enzo Francescoli, River's sports director, downplayed the duel against Palmeiras in the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores and assured that, if they were to be eliminated, "it would be a huge frustration, but not a failure".

"It would be tough, but it will be a clean slate, a new account, and start over. We are convinced that this is the way. We compete on three fronts and that is not easy in today's football," the Uruguayan analyzed in a conversation with ESPN. In addition to the clash against Verdao for the continental tournament, the Millonario is first in Zone B of the Clausura and will face Racing in the quarterfinals of the Copa Argentina.

However, the former striker, who played 237 matches and scored 137 goals with La Banda Roja, acknowledges that the team's level in recent times has not been ideal. "As Gallardo said, it's five points and without playing well. But there is room for individual and collective improvement," he commented and predicted: "If River goes up two points, it won't be easy for Palmeiras. I assure you". It is worth remembering that after the penalty shootout qualification against Union, the coach rated his players' performance with a five.

The former footballer, who has been working at the institution since 2014 with the arrival of Rodolfo D’Onofrio to the presidency, explained his role as a director and his relationship with Gallardo when it comes to working: "My fundamental decision is the choice of the coach. I go almost every day to Ezeiza, to have dinner at the concentration and I sit next to Marcelo to talk about football. The relationship is simpler than everyone thinks". Indeed, it was he who chose Muñeco to take over the squad for the first time in 2014 and also who went to look for him again last year.

However, Francescoli made it clear that it is the coach who leads: "There is a person who makes the decisions and that is Marcelo Gallardo". "The players are chosen by the coaches and in this case I first have to talk to Marcelo. The decision is his. I can't impose anything," he explained. Since the return of the 49-year-old coach in August 2024, the Millonario has lived up to its nickname and spent around 70 million dollars in the last three transfer markets.

"I see Marcelo more mature, calm in his role, convinced and with a job that is not easy. He changed almost half of the squad, to make a squad of his own, with his own people and now he must work against time because there is not much margin," declared the Prince. About the future of the coach, whose link with the institution ends on December 31, he assured: "Hopefully Gallardo can stay as long as he wants. I would be at River until the day I die".

Finally, he spoke about the present that some players of the squad are going through. He described Franco Armani as "a big team goalkeeper who always saves you", he sees Juanfer Quintero well and "he is growing physically" and he saw Miguel Borja comfortable but did not confirm the renewal of his contract (expires on December 31), as "it will be something that Gallardo will define".

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