Cross stories in Talleres – River: how Martín Demichelis’ friendships with Santos and Gandolfi were born

Two big hugs delivered by Martín Demichelis in the game preview by Mario Alberto Kempes and both have a history behind them. Micho merged with someone he loved, Javier Gandolfi, coach of Talleres, and with another he wants, Michael Santos, the top scorer.

In the week Word has spread about Demichelis’ request for Michael Santos to strengthen the team. But the coach and the footballer didn’t say goodbye for that, but because they shared a few months in Malaga, between 2016 and 2017. The former central scorer of the Argentine national team was taking his last steps in the profession, while the Uruguayan he was having his first experience in Europe. Obviously It will not be easy for River to deal with Talleres: The striker has renewed his contract until December 2025 and Andrés Fassi, the head of the Cordovan cast, would only release him for a reported fee of several million dollars.

Better known is the story of the friendship between Demichelis and Gandolfi. The two trained in the Lower River, both born in 1980, and have since formed a friendship that has lasted despite the years and distances that have separated them. That bond that unites them, plus the knowledge of Gandolfi, were what prompted them to do it Demichelis will tempt him to be his field assistant during his tenure in the cast of Núñez. The negotiation lasted a few days, because Fassi didn’t hesitate to offer a juicy contract to the man born in Santa Fe 42 years ago.

“This is here. I ask you please, don’t leave here. We are only 600. I hope you don’t leave here. Maybe, at some point, you will have to look for Martín Demichelis as your field assistant,” Fassi told Gandolfi in an institutional act in Córdoba. “I was surprised by the part of Andrés (Fassi), whom I know. On two occasions he offered me the job. He filled it with messages and calls to my representative. He surprises me. I know Jorge’s statements Brito. Since he’s from Cordoba, he’s a bad joke teller,” Demichelis replied.