Since the local tournament is still under negotiations between AFA’s president, Julio Grondona, and the government, River is looking for ways to keep the team in top shape. A little background on the delay is that AFA wants the football clubs to receive more monetary compensation for televised matches but the media outlets are declining. His demand has escalated to national headlines and talks are happening as I type to figure out a deal.
Before River faces Lanus for the 2009 Copa Nissan Sudamericana opener, the team’s management has configured an exhibition match against second division club, Almirante Brown. In this match, Marcelo Gallardo and Ariel Ortega will be able to play together for the first time since both players resigned with the club. The match will be played today, August 13th under closed doors. Coach Nestor Gorosito’s ‘closed doors’ strategy is key in keeping the team’s strategy in check and avoid intruders from advising rivals about River.
Coach Nestor Gorosito plans on putting his potential starting line-up, including Ortega and Gallardo, against Almirante Brown to see where progress has taken. This match will be very important to every player, especially in their role against Lanus. Every match has to be taken seriously and each player must be ready for the upcoming challenges ahead.
