La Liga
River Plate has shaken things up in Vitoria when least expected. With Marcelo Gallardo announcing that he will leave the club's bench in the coming days, the name of Eduardo “Chacho” Coudet has emerged as the main candidate to take on the project in Buenos Aires.
The news comes as a cold shower to Deportivo Alavés. With 13 matchdays left in LaLiga, the team from Vitoria maintains a slim three-point lead over relegation. Losing their coach now would be a significantly competitive blow.
River Plate aims for Chacho Coudet
Gallardo’s departure marks a new chapter for River Plate. After several successful cycles and a well-defined identity, the Argentine club seeks a profile with character, international experience, and the ability to compete under pressure. Coudet fits that mold.
The Argentine coach has solidified Alavés in a demanding season, providing the team with tactical order and aggressiveness in the opponent's half. His approach combines intensity off the ball and quick transitions, a style that resonates with the competitive tradition of Argentine football.
His experience in leagues like the Spanish and Brazilian ones, in addition to his ability to manage complex dressing rooms, is highly valued in Buenos Aires. The opportunity to return to his country to lead one of South America's giants is emotionally and professionally appealing.
However, for Alavés, the operation would be devastating. Changing the coach in the decisive phase of the championship could disrupt dynamics, automatisms, and mental balance in a group fighting for survival.
The risk for Alavés in the midst of the fight for survival
The Vitorian team has found competitive stability under Chacho's command. While results haven't been consistently brilliant, he has managed to keep the team out of the red zone in an extremely tight championship.
Three points away from relegation and facing a demanding schedule ahead, any change in the coach's position would entail a considerable risk. Adaptation to new tactical ideas and emotional management of the dressing room could determine the difference between survival and suffering until the last breath.
The sports management is already considering alternative scenarios due to the real possibility of an imminent departure.
Imanol or Quique, the options on the table
If Coudet accepts River Plate's proposal, Alavés has two profiles with proven experience: Imanol Alguacil and Quique Sánchez Flores.
Imanol, available after his brief stint in Saudi Arabia, left a very positive impression at Real Sociedad. His ability to build solid projects, focus on tactical order, and nurture young talent make him a reliable coach. Additionally, he is well acquainted with the context of Basque football.
On the other hand, Quique Sánchez Flores excels in urgent contexts. Accustomed to taking over benches in delicate situations, his pragmatic profile and defensive approach could provide immediate stability in a critical moment. Although he has not coached in LaLiga for some time, his track record attests to his ability to manage high-pressure situations.
The ball is now in Coudet's court. River Plate is pressing, and time is of the essence. In Vitoria, they are crossing their fingers not to lose their leader in the most delicate moment of the season. The outcome could shape Alavés' immediate future.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alavés: Los dos posibles sustitutos del Chacho Coudet
