The Demichelis era began in River: “That people continue to believe”

“A glorious coach from this glorious institution said a phrase some time ago that has remained forever: ‘Let people believe because there is a team to believe with’; let’s keep believing”Demichelis pointed out in his first press conference in River that was held in the club’s Auditorium before a marked presence of the media.

Demichelis was accompanied by the president of River, Jorge Brito; the vice presidents Matías Patanian and Ignacio Villarroel; and the technical secretary, Enzo Francescoli, who chose him to succeed Gallardo, the institution’s most winning coach with 14 titles.

“It is a very special moment for me. I have no doubts that together with my group, which was formed with great human beings, due to their capacity and belonging to River, we are going to honor this institution so that it continues to be successful”Demichelis said.

The former defender, who emerged from the club’s youth divisions, said that he is “with a lot of energy” to face his first big challenge as a coach, after passing through the second team of Bayern Munich in Germany.

“The foundations are firm and high and we will give it continuity. We will follow the evolution of all the players, the reserves, the youth teams. Someone had to take charge, I was in a comfort zone, I never hesitated to come here and my family supported me “said the former defender of the Argentine national team.

“My experience at Bayern was important and necessary, but I left River’s house and it is clear that I am going to keep an eye on the evolution of the reserve boys and the rest. The evolution of a player has no limits. The We are going to surround ourselves with tools. We will put everything at the service of growth”indicated “Micho”.

Regarding the conformation of the squad, Demichelis said that he has already analyzed the technical and tactical plans of the players, which remain physical and emotional.

“Gallardo’s team made this transition easier, with the contribution of data. But I am missing two more factors for analysis. Based on that, we will make decisions. I want players who want to be, like Zuculini (regarding his statements later of the victory against Betis in Spain last Sunday); I love Bruno. Let them do it and do it well”, pointed out the former defender from Cordoba.

The new River coach said that he did not have a talk with Gallardo, but reiterated how he and his team provided him with all the information regarding the squad: “Someday the match will take place, now he has to rest a bit. I talked to him a while ago and it was a great talk. I enjoyed his years as a coach as a fan. I wanted him to continue for 20 more years, I said it in an interview a few years ago time, but I dreamed of being here and I’m very proud”.

While Demichelis held the press conference, part of his coaching staff listened attentively in the front row. His field assistants Germán Lux and Javier Pinola, who announced his retirement from professional activity last Sunday; the goalkeeping coach Alejandro Saccone and the physical trainers Flavio Pérez and Diego Riberi.

Other club glories also welcomed Demichelis. Among them were Norberto “Beto” Alonso, Ubaldo Fillol and Fernando Cavenaghi.

For his part, Leonardo Ponzio also said he was present in the River auditorium. The former central midfielder will help Francescoli in the technical secretariat.

Demichelis returns to River after 19 years, when he was transferred to Bayern Munich. Regarding his return, he spoke about the changes he found in the club: “I found a growing River. I was moved by the River Camp. We will contribute from this side so that it continues to grow. River is the Bayern Munich of South America because it has principles , manners and methodology that resemble each other”.

Finally, Demichelis indicated that his River will try to be the “protagonist” both in the matches and in each championship they face.