[REVISION HISTORY]

River Plate transitions to interim coach Ponzio

Updated 13 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-05 18:10 UTC → 2026-09-06 01:45 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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 in the seventh round of the Torneo Clausura.~~ 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.” As Ponzio prepares the squad for a match against Independiente Rivadavia, the club continues to evaluate permanent managerial candidates. Amidst these discussions, Hernán Crespo, currently managing Atlas in Mexico, has dismissed reports linking him to a return as River Plate's permanent manager, labeling the claims as “a rumor.”

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