River Plate lost 1-0 without mitigating factors against Argentinos Juniors in La Paternal and let go of their undefeated record in the Professional League after two consecutive wins. After the meeting, a Martin Demichelis who had not spoken to the press after the elimination against Temperley in the Argentine Cup, stood in front of the microphones and made a strong self-criticism. In addition, he shared an internal decision that he made after the fall against El Bicho.
“It is the first time that it has happened to us that after a blow (due to elimination in the Argentine Cup) we cannot recover. I am responsible, the boys are professionals and today they wanted to show their face, but we didn’t have a good game. We didn’t kick the goal, it’s hard for me to remember good passages throughout the 90 minutes”said Micho, evidently affected by the adverse result.
Later, the River Plate strategist revealed what he decided after the slap: “Honestly, it was planned to have free tomorrow, we didn’t expect this blow… Tomorrow we are going to train.” And he expanded: “We all have to give something more, it wasn’t enough for us, so we have to give something more. Tomorrow, Sunday, we have to do a very good training session, do mea culpa, analyze and talk among everyone. We get along very well with each other (coaching staff, players and leaders), so this is what we have to do to see it reflected on the field next Thursday against Táchira and then bounce back against Tigre in the tournament.”
This determination is not new, since Demichelis clarified about previous cases: “We beat Belgrano on a Saturday, we trained on Sunday and we faced the Argentine Cup with the responsibility that this institution deserves. He played the vast majority of those who were playing. “We did not underestimate the Argentine Cup, but we did not close the game.” Meanwhile, the millionaire coach drew a parallel with critical situations faced by Pablo Guede in Argentinos and Eduardo Domínguez in Estudiantes de La Plata, which over time they were able to reverse: “We are going to move forward, I have no doubts.”
Regarding the specific analysis of the match against Argentinos, he specified: “Today it was very difficult for us, we have rarely played like today. At times I think we fought, he was fought and beaten by both sides. They scored a great goal and we couldn’t reverse it. We talk behind closed doors and the analysis will remain there. “We are going to redouble our efforts with the players and leaders.” Later, he completed: “We didn’t have to play it, what we usually do. We will have finished with more possession, but we were not what we usually are. They had the clearest idea, we were surpassed and we have to know how to accept it. It’s hard for me to find a shot at our goal in the head.”
When asked about the public’s discontent, he responded: “It is logical that people are like this and do not like this River that was seen in the last two games. I don’t like playing like that either and getting eliminated like the other day. Nobody gave me anything, I went through very difficult things, I continue with the strength that characterized me in my childhood, adolescence and my maturity as a professional. “I feel proud to be the coach of River and I will be that way until the last day.”
In the same tone, he expressed: “Tomorrow we are going to train and we are going to take charge of this situation, we are very beaten and sad. Today is River’s birthday and we deserved to give people a nice game and happiness. The discontent is understandable, but it is the first time that he has had two hits in a row.
“We have to play a good game against Táchira and Tigre. Demonstrate manliness, personality and have a good game on Thursday. The fans are going to fill the Monumental and we have the possibility of being first in the group stage, unlike last year when we were forced to win to qualify. We had started this tournament very well, but that’s life and football, no one can relax”was another of the assessments of the leader of the coaching staff.
And he concluded about the drop in level according to the home team: “Coincidentally we have given a bad image in the last two games away from the Monumental. Curiously, because we had just completed a good week beating Belgrano and Libertad. We have to turn the page quickly because we don’t play the football that characterizes us. Sometimes it is difficult to maintain the same level all year, but I am confident that we will recover.”
