River bids a grand farewell to Demichelis and prepares for Gallardo's return

It was breathed in River an almost suffocating need for change. That is why the decision to close the cycle of Martin Demichelis As a coach he decompressed in a brutal way. So there was space for Micho He said goodbye with pain, but with greatness, with total height. The leaders fired him, but they put together the best possible staging so that the end would be with love and recognition for the coach. Then, the story ended with everyone hugging. Yes, everything happened in this Argentine football as dramatic as it is crazy.

It was not enough to win the group Libertadores Cup as the best of the first. It did not even matter that the round of 16 will start in mid-August. The elimination in the Argentine Cup against a rival from the Second Division and a series of negative matches against teams from the most modest teams triggered the epilogue of Demichelis, which had begun to be hinted at last year when a conversation with journalists came to light that upset the leaders. The fact is that this closing of the cycle was requested by the fans whistling him every time the stadium voice pronounced his name and surname.

All against Sarmiento It was very different at the Monumental. It was already known that the coach was leaving. It was already established that there were great chances of crowning the return of the most beloved coach in River Plate history, Marcelo Gallardo. So, the fans were predisposed to say goodbye to Demichelis in a good way.

There was applause when the line-up was announced. There was an institutional video on the giant screen thanking him for the three national titles he has won as a coach in this year and a half. Demichelis He hugged his son at the beginning and at the end Bastianball boy. And he became emotional on many occasions, bathing his eyes with tears.

Franco Mastantuono, The precocious 16-year-old talent coveted in Europe, drew a wonderful free kick with his left foot at the last minute that served to break the tie and win. And the youngster ran to give a full hug to Demichelisto the coach who made him debut.

Then, at the end, he hugged all his teammates and all the players. Also, with those same leaders who fired him and who waited for him at the edge of the field. And also with a couple of legends like Ubaldo Fillol and Norberto Alonso who waited for him right there.

What a paradox: those same fans who wanted him to leave office and who had mistreated him in some previous games, knowing that it was his last game, sang to him: “Micho is from River and he is not leaving River.” Demichelis He greeted them with his arms raised and at one point made the classic gesture of asking for forgiveness by joining his hands. However, seconds later everyone sang along Gallant.

Later, there were words of DemichelisHe did not accept questions. It was a monologue: “I had to live through the biggest and most difficult transition in the history of this institution. Since I set foot in Argentina I became a bad husband, a bad father, a bad friend, a bad brother, because I went all out for River.” He continued: “I am not leaving River “Because I am a fan and a member. I was not able to return as a player, but having returned as a coach and having been champion, I can now say that I am very happy. River is so great that it is above all names. Despite the desire and strength I had, I think it was the best for everyone. The energies will change and there will be synergy between the leaders, the coaching staff and the fans.”

Demichelis He made a request to the press, who had hinted that the players were not responding to him: “I strongly ask you not to lie to anyone. Since the elimination from the 2010 World Cup, I have not seen a group of players cry like yesterday when I gave them the news that I was not continuing.” And he concluded: “Thank you, River. I only have words of gratitude. It was a real honour. Until next time.” And he left like a gentleman.