Eduardo “Chacho” Coudet Is the Leading Candidate to Replace Marcelo Gallardo at River Plate

River is living decisive hours after Marcelo Gallardo’s departure, and one name is shaking Núñez: Eduardo “Chacho” Coudet. With a past at the club and a strong character, he is emerging as the main candidate to put out the football fire.

River enters urgency mode after Gallardo’s exit

The crisis is no longer a rumor — it is reality. Marcelo Gallardo announced his resignation and the cycle at River Plate has come to an end amid a worrying sporting context. With 12 defeats in the last 20 matches and a team lacking answers on the pitch, El Muñeco’s farewell marks the beginning of a forced rebuild.

The wear and tear was evident. The team lost identity, intensity, and results. According to reports from outlets such as LA NACION and ElDesmarque, the decision has already been made and the clash against Banfield will be his official goodbye. From that moment on, the race against time to find his successor begins.

Eduardo “Chacho” Coudet, the leading option to take charge

Today, the main candidate is Eduardo “Chacho” Coudet, current head coach of Deportivo Alavés. The Santa Fe native, who played for River between 1999-2002 and 2003-2004, has strong internal support. He is not just another name — he is the one leading the race.

According to multiple Argentine journalists, there have already been contacts with his agent, Cristian Bragarnik. The board has not closed the door and further talks are expected. The interest is real.

Coudet remains under contract in Spain until June, but his situation is not simple. Alavés are fighting to stay clear of the relegation zone in LaLiga, currently sitting 14th in the standings.

Why Coudet fits this critical moment

River need character. They need energy. They need someone capable of restoring an intense, aggressive, attacking identity. That is Coudet’s trademark.

His experience in Argentine football supports his candidacy. He was highly competitive with Rosario Central, achieved success with Racing Club — winning the Superliga and the Trofeo de Campeones — and also managed internationally at Celta de Vigo, Atlético Mineiro, and Internacional. He is far from inexperienced.

Moreover, he understands River’s environment. He knows the pressure, the expectations, and the demands. Coaching a giant club is different when you have lived it from the inside. That added value carries weight.

Other names on the list and the immediate plan

Although Coudet is the favorite, he is not the only option. The shortlist also includes Hernán Crespo, Ariel Holan, Gabriel Milito, Ricardo Gareca, Ramón Díaz, Santiago Solari, and even Pablo Aimar, currently part of Argentina’s national team coaching staff alongside Lionel Scaloni.

However, each alternative comes with obstacles. Some have ongoing commitments, others do not fully match the desired profile, and in Aimar’s case, leaving before the 2026 World Cup seems unrealistic.

In the meantime, interim duties will fall to Marcelo “Pichi” Escudero, River’s reserve team coach, until negotiations are finalized.