Martín Demichelis and his best match at River: why he has more to lose than win in the final against Estudiantes

When this Wednesday at 9.10pm the referee Yael Falcón Pérez the final begins in River AND Students of the Argentina Super Cup 2023 at the Mario Alberto Kempes stadium, Martín Demichelis will begin to experience the hottest 90 minutes since he became River manager. We don’t talk about the most important match of her cycle because it has already been played three Superclásicos (2 wins and a draw) and a series of round of 16 Copa Libertadores. But it’s written spicy because Micho did it too much to lose and little to gain. If it were imposed, it would be logical because the cast of Núñez has a higher hierarchy than that of La Plata. On the other hand, if he falls and it is Enzo Perez Dress up Pincha whoever gets the cover of the newspapers, The relationship with millionaire fans could reach high levels of discomfort.

River didn’t play well, it must be said. They have only won one match in their last 6. And much more: he added 8 of the last 18 points in dispute; that is, precisely the 44.4% of units. Added to these cold and worrying numbers are the team’s poor play and repeated errors in reading duels, especially during the substitution phase. That’s also true River is undefeated so far this year: 5 wins and 6 draws. But Demichelis knows well that this record says little. That’s why this week she opted for secrecy and silence to prepare for the final.

The presence of Enzo Pérez at Estudiantes weighs on Demichelis. The man from Mendoza, the last of River’s idols, left through the back door, antagonized by the coach. Even the millionaire fans don’t forgive Micho for that argument which culminated in the captain’s tearful farewell. The photo of Enzo Pérez smiling and holding the Super Cup, it is insisted, would be too powerful.

Demichelis looks confused. He failed to give the team an identity, which he achieved in the first months of 2023. He changes schemes and interpreters from one match to another. And that permanent rotation took away the players’ confidence. The Chilean Paolo Diaz and the Colombian Miguel Borja They are the most regular. The rest of the players alternate between good and bad. A particular case is that of Esequiel boat: I can’t finish takeoff. The former Independiente midfielder has the support of the manager because he has used him in most of the matches. But he changed roles (player, striker, left winger, left midfielder, left midfielder) and this hurt him; In recent games he was closer to the central midfielder than to the opponent’s goal.

River’s performance in the League Cup match against Independiente was disappointing and it is assumed that Demichelis will make some changes. The departure of Claudio Echeverri prevails: it is still difficult for him to get into the rhythms of the First Division. I would go in instead Facundo Colidiowith Pablo Solari fight for the vacant position. Ignacio Fernandez, Rodrigo Aliendro, Rodrigo Villagra AND Ship They would be in midfield.

Defense is what worries the DT the most. Paulo Díaz is the only one with a guaranteed place. On the right side I would continue Marcelo Herrera. The doubts: Leandro Gonzalez Pirez OR Sebastiano Boselli AND Enzo Diaz OR Milton helmet.

Estudiantes, meanwhile, reached the final having won the Argentine Cup. And he arrived in Córdoba full of hope. Eduardo Dominguez he will be able to count on the former Boca player Eros Mancuso and he will be the right back. In the middle, in addition to Enzo Pérez, the experts José Sosa and Ascacibar will move.

Pincha will be looking to win his third National Cup after the 2023 Argentine Cup, the 1945 Republic Cup and the 1944 Escobar Cup. For River, meanwhile, it would be their 17th National Cup and would equal Boca.

But the tournament number of one or the other will barely be a colorful fact when Yael Falcón Pérez marks the end. When that whistle blows, all the cameras will go on Martín Demichelis (he will take charge of his 67th match: he won 39, drew 15 and lost 12) and on Enzo Pérez (he will play with the Estudiantes shield on his shirt and with the shield of the River tattooed on his back). One will smile and the other won’t. And a new story will be written…