For Demichelis there is no middle ground: from the support of the management to the criticism of the fans who do not understand his changes

In River There are parallel universes with respect to the gaze Martin Demichelis. On the one hand, from the entrance gate of Avenida Figueroa Alcorta to the interior, there is peace with the coach’s work and the support remains absolute. On the other hand, there are questions from a large part of the fans, who, apparently, do not show that they are in tune with Mr. Millonario. Meanwhile, Micho takes refuge in his numbers and looks ahead.

The criticism deepens with each coach’s decision, especially when reaching out to make changes. Just as he was asked about the haste due to the changes against Boca and the way in which the team was stopped after the 1-0, in the 2-2 against Talleres his attitude in the second half was criticized (very back on the field). playing field) and the changes, in particular that of Andrés Herrera (a full-back) for Rodrigo Villagra (central midfielder).

Demichelis argued his decision. “We have no difficulties when we set up the line of five defendersIn fact there we adapted to the bad game we were playing in the second half. We were in control again and felt like we were in the game,” the coach said. However, River equalized a few minutes after that change.

The contradictions that emerge in Demichelis’ words are then reflected on the pitch. He went from questioning Diego Martínez for finishing the Superclásico with 7 defenders to discursively supporting his approach with a line of five in the final stretch of the match against Talleres in Córdoba. As if that wasn’t enough, the Boca coach said that during the week Micho sent him a message to apologize for those statements.

Despite the ups and downs he continues to have on his journey, Demichelis shows calm. And the four consecutive draws don’t scare him. Quite the opposite. He chooses the glass half full. And he believes that his team did not have defeats at the beginning of this year, as happened in 2023 when he lost twice (against Belgrano and Arsenal) in February. Furthermore, now, River accumulates 13 games without losing.

“There’s something beautiful about not losing. In my first year, in the first five games we had lost twice. Today we have a series of matches without losing, which makes us a strong team,” said the Cordoba native. And another question arises to be discussed. Does River look like “a strong team”?

Demichelis also focuses on the numbers of his cycle. Of the 64 games he has coached so far, he has won 38., they drew 15 and lost 12. They scored 67% of the points in the game. A number similar to that achieved by Marcelo Gallardo in the same number of games.

The one born in Justiniano Posse is very knowledgeable in statistics. And beyond the specific issues that happen on the playing field, which exasperate many fans, let’s look closely at the numbers. Not only to make decisions, but also to observe the path forward.

And Demichelis will not deviate from that path. Even knowing that you have things to correct. For example, if your team can sustain results when they take the lead, knowing how to close out games or not making unforced errors that throw away the good moments they manage to build.

Even a setback in the League Cup or a final defeat against Estudiantes in the Argentine Super Cup final will not dissuade the coach. The north is oriented towards the Copa Libertadores. And despite the criticism he receives, Demichelis has the confidence and absolute support of the management to face the most important challenge of the year.