Gallardo on private chat with Paulo Díaz, confirms 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 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 round 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’ll consider you. You’ve worked very well. You’ll be considered, but you’ll have to start from behind,” said Muñeco, recounting what he told the 31-year-old defender. This change in stance was significant, as he finished 2025 without even being called up and, in fact, was not present in either of 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 great quality,” the coach added.

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

Lucas Martínez Quarta and Lautaro Rivero are the undisputed starting center-backs. With Germán Pezzella still recovering (he is expected back only at the end of 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 has been at the club, he has played 214 matches, scored 13 goals, and was considered one of the best center-backs on the continent. However, his performance declined along with the team, and his relationship with the fans has become very strained.

Often criticized for making costly mistakes, his last appearance in a River shirt was in the lost Superclásico against Boca at the Bombonera. That afternoon, the Chilean had a game to forget, and his performance left a sense that his cycle was over, which was confirmed by his absence from subsequent call-ups. Now, circumstances are giving him the chance to fight for his place once again.

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