Flavio Azzaro slammed River after the elimination against Inter: 'It's not enough'

In a forceful editorial, Flavio Azzaro launched a harsh criticism of River's current situation after the elimination in the Club World Cup. "River is not up to it," he repeated over and over throughout his analysis, where he spared no one.

Azzaro stated that Marcelo Gallardo's team "is not up to the level" of an international competition and that its elimination can't be explained only by the defeat against Inter, but also by the draw against Monterrey.

He also referred to the players' level: "River doesn't have great stars, it depends on Mastantuono, a kid who is no longer there. Borja can't play wearing River's jersey. Kranevitter, who doesn't even play in the local tournament, was a starter against the runner-up of Europe." He also mentioned that players like Nacho Fernández, Enzo Pérez, Lanzini, Casco, and Colidio are no longer up to the level required to wear the red sash.

The host harshly criticized Marcelo Gallardo: "He spent a fortune and his team doesn't play at all. Gallardo has the keys to the club, he does and undoes as he pleases, but this River is not better than Demichelis's." He added: "They keep him for what he was, not for what he is."

Azzaro also targeted the management: "Of the important championships, Brito won only one. In international cups, River was embarrassing."

Finally, he called for reflection on the state of Argentine soccer: "The only thing that sustains River today is its people. Bringing 30,000 people to Seattle speaks of passion, but it is not enough. We have a poor league with 30 teams, poorly organized championships, and that is why we do not compete."

For Azzaro, Gallardo's second cycle began with more expectations than results. According to his words, the future is bleak: "With this team, River is not even close to winning the Copa Libertadores."