# River Plate transitions to interim coach Ponzio > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/river-plate-pezzella-dispute > Updated: 2026-09-06T01:07:49.000Z. Sources: 100. Developments: 8. In late July 2026, River Plate’s senior players met with club president Stefano Di Carlo to demand the reinstatement of centre-back Germán Pezzella, who had been placed on a surplus list. By early August, Pezzella remained excluded from the main training group. On August 26, 2026, River Plate and Pezzella mutually agreed to rescind his contract. Following his departure, Pezzella officially joined the Uruguayan club Peñarol as a free agent, signing a contract through December 2027. His move marks the first time a World Cup champion has played in Uruguay’s top division in over 50 years. During his presentation, the 35-year-old expressed gratitude toward his former club, stating, “It is the most important club of my life because of everything I experienced there.” He noted his readiness to work with coach Diego Aguirre and will wear the number 2 jersey. On September 5, 2026, Pezzella made his debut for Peñarol, entering the match in the 61st minute during a 4-0 victory against Danubio in the Torneo Clausura. Following the game, he expressed satisfaction with returning to competitive play and noted his efforts to integrate with his new teammates. This period of transition coincided with the resignation of head coach Eduardo Coudet, who left following the team’s elimination from the Copa Sudamericana by Independiente Santa Fe. Coudet described the club’s situation as “unsustainable without results.” On August 28, club icon Leonardo Ponzio was appointed as interim head coach. In his managerial debut on August 30, Ponzio led River Plate to a 3-2 away victory against Banfield. Ponzio expressed his commitment to the institution, stating, “I owe this institution. I am very happy and happy. When you have to be there, you have to show your face.” ## Claims - Leonardo Ponzio made his debut as interim head coach for River Plate (corroborated by 9 sources) - River Plate defeated Banfield 3-2 (corroborated by 5 sources) - Thiago Almada scored River Plate's second goal via a penalty kick (corroborated by 5 sources) - Leonardo Ponzio took over the coaching role following the departure of Eduardo Coudet (corroborated by 5 sources) - Leonardo Ponzio has been appointed as the interim head coach. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Sebastián Driussi scored the opening goal for River Plate (corroborated by 4 sources) - Ángel Correa scored for River Plate (corroborated by 4 sources) - Bruno Sepúlveda scored twice for Banfield (corroborated by 4 sources) - River Plate and Germán Pezzella have mutually agreed to rescind his contract. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Pezzella posted a farewell message on Instagram expressing his love for the fans. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Eduardo Coudet resigned as the head coach of River Plate. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Leonardo Ponzio will serve as the interim head coach. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-06: Germán Pezzella joins Peñarol and makes debut in Uruguay World Cup winner Germán Pezzella has joined Peñarol in Uruguay on an 18-month contract, making his debut in a 4-0 win against Danubio. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germn-pezzella-joins-pearol-and-makes-debut-in-uruguay ### 2026-09-03: Germán Pezzella joins Peñarol following River Plate departure Germán Pezzella joins Peñarol after leaving River Plate, while Leonardo Ponzio takes interim charge at River and Hernán Crespo denies rumors of a managerial return. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germn-pezzella-joins-pearol-after-leaving-river-plate-1 ### 2026-09-01: Germán Pezzella joins Peñarol after leaving River Plate World Cup winner Germán Pezzella has joined Peñarol on a contract through December 2027, becoming the first World Cup champion to play in Uruguay in over 50 years. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germn-pezzella-joins-pearol-after-leaving-river-plate ### 2026-08-30: River Plate defeats Banfield 3-2 in Leonardo Ponzio's managerial debut River Plate defeated Banfield 3-2 in the debut match of interim manager Leonardo Ponzio, with goals from Driussi, Almada, and Correa. 28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/river-plate-defeats-banfield-3-2-in-ponzios-coaching-debut ### 2026-08-28: River Plate appoints Leonardo Ponzio as interim manager River Plate has appointed club legend Leonardo Ponzio as interim manager following the departure of Eduardo Coudet after the team's Copa Sudamericana elimination. 45 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/river-plate-replaces-eduardo-coudet-with-leonardo-ponzio ### 2026-08-26: River Plate replaces coach Coudet and parts ways with Pezzella River Plate announces the departure of coach Eduardo Coudet following Copa Sudamericana elimination and the contract rescission of defender Germán Pezzella. Leonardo Ponzio takes over as interim manager. 51 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/river-plate-and-germn-pezzella-rescind-contract-by-mutual-agreement ### 2026-08-07: River Plate defender Germán Pezzella near UAE transfer River Plate's Germán Pezzella, sidelined and under contract until 2027, is linked to a possible move to the UAE amid club negotiations. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/river-plate-defender-germn-pezzella-near-uae-transfer ### 2026-07-27: River Plate players request defender Germán Pezzella's return River Plate’s senior players urged president Stefano Di Carlo to reinstate centre‑back Germán Pezzella, who has been training separately after the club’s recent defeats and Copa Argentina exit. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/river-plate-players-request-defender-germn-pezzellas-return --- Cite as: River Plate transitions to interim coach Ponzio. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/river-plate-pezzella-dispute