The Brief 'Chacho' Era Concludes: Eduardo Coudet Departs River Plate

In a development that, while perhaps not entirely shocking, still sent ripples through Argentine football, Eduardo "Chacho" Coudet has officially stepped down from his role as head coach of River Plate. The news, confirmed on Thursday, August 27th, 2026 (though some reports edged into the 28th), brings to a close a tenure that felt, for many, far too brief and undeniably challenging.

Coudet's departure wasn't a sudden firing, but rather a mutual agreement, with the coach himself expressing a desire to leave. One can only imagine the immense pressure weighing on him. The writing on the wall became starkly clear following a string of unsustainable results, culminating in the club's painful elimination from the Copa Sudamericana. Getting knocked out in the Round of 16, especially against a formidable opponent like Independiente Santa Fe, proved to be a tough pill to swallow for the passionate Millonario faithful, and ultimately, for "Chacho" himself.

His time at the helm, a mere blink in River Plate's storied history, lasted just under seven months – barely half a year, really. Having taken over in early March after the iconic Marcelo Gallardo's departure, Coudet managed a total of 27 games. It's a testament to the unforgiving nature of top-tier football management; sometimes, even with the best intentions, the pieces just don't fall into place quickly enough.

The announcement itself came from the club's venerable Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Club President Stefano Di Carlo, alongside Technical Secretary Enzo Francescoli, conveyed the decision, underlining the collaborative nature of Coudet's exit. It signals a recognition of the situation by all parties involved, prioritizing the club's stability moving forward.

Stepping into the interim role will be a familiar and much-loved face for River Plate fans: Leonardo Ponzio. A former midfielder who captained the club with distinction, Ponzio was already part of the coaching staff. His immediate promotion offers a sense of continuity and a deep understanding of the club's ethos, which will undoubtedly be welcomed during this period of transition.

During his short tenure, Coudet did make efforts to shape the squad, bringing in some notable talent. Players like Thiago Almada, Nicolás Otamendi, Lucas Beltrán, and Ángel Correa arrived under his watch, hinting at the vision he had for the team. Unfortunately, the results simply didn't materialize to allow that vision to fully flourish.

As River Plate now searches for a permanent successor, the football world will be watching closely. The club, affectionately known as "Millonario" or "Millo," demands excellence, and navigating the post-Gallardo era has proven to be a monumental task. "Chacho" Coudet's brief chapter is closed, leaving behind the question of who can truly reignite the fire at one of South America's biggest clubs.