Daniel Passarella acknowledged that the current situation in River is very complicated, and he provided some chilling information on the club. Although he has come into a world of problems, he says that he is not sorry assumed his position.
Since he was officially introduced as the new president of River, on December 9th, Daniel Passarella was not surprised with the debts tallied by the club’s previous presidency. The institution is facing the most serious economic crisis of its history, and there is no cash to cancel debts. “In the safe, there were 80,000 pesos … Just in case, lest anyone think I was wrong, I reiterate: 80 thousand dollars,” said Daniel Passarella.
“Kicking the same penalty twice in the Bombonera, like I have, is a joke compared with this,” he added, making it clear that the pressure is too great. But Daniel Passarella expects a recovery in the long run, and he is not afraid. “Being president of River is a huge challenge and I always liked challenges. This is the biggest responsibility of my life” said the president.
Numbers: “We pay 1.8 million pesos in bonuses and 4.2 million in salaries in December, amounts that do not include the rest fixed costs of the club. The operating deficit is four million per month. We have to pay, in March 2010, checks issued for 17 million pesos. It’s terrible. Surely this is one of the biggest debacles in the history of sport, “he revealed.
The winning formula and promised audit: “It doesn’t cross my mind to use my personal money, but many things are happening to make the club recover. We need work effort, solidarity, creativity, frugality, consistency, and criticism. I want to make changes with my own people, who will answer me and share my thoughts. We are talking one of the biggest companies in the world to begin auditing as soon as possible, “he said.
Coaching staff: “Leonardo Astrada is a kid who was born in River, who became a man here and who knows the economic situation of the club. He doesn’t mind risking his reputation, because he knows that River is important. From our side, he has full support.”
