After 27 years of work divided into three stages, the historic coordinator of the youth teams reached an agreement with the management and ended his tenure
After more than two decades dedicated to the development of footballers, one of the most important names in the recent history of the youth teams of River has put an end to his journey at the institution. Gabriel Rodríguez agreed to part ways with the management and officially left his position as general coordinator of youth football, a role he held for 27 years spread over three stages.
The decision had already been anticipated by the coach himself just over a month ago, when he communicated that he had no intention of continuing due to personal reasons and the accumulated fatigue after so many years of activity. However, his departure could only be formalized this Wednesday, after several conversations with president Stéfano Di Carlo and other members of the board, as he still had a contract in effect until December 2027.
"It is a personal decision to leave River. A life decision, the time has come for me to retire", Rodríguez, 66, explained at the time, also acknowledging that he was going through a moment of great fatigue. "I made the decision not to continue and to retire with all honors, without issues. I am worn out, very tired, and it is time for me to retire. It’s ten hours at the club every day and the truth is I am too stressed", he expressed.
Gabriel Rodríguez leaves River for personal reasons
The historic trainer, who had retired in 2025 but decided to continue working due to his passion for football and his identification with the Millonario, expressed satisfaction with the path he has taken and dismissed any conflict with the authorities of the institution. "I leave in the best way. With the management, with the people, and with the sports director. I completed 27 years at the club, we did very well, we produced many talents that brought satisfaction to River. I am immensely grateful to all the members and fans who have always supported me. And my greatest pride is that I leave through the front door. Without arguments, gossip, or anything like that", he assured.
Now, his departure raises a question about who will occupy a key position for the sporting future of River. The management is already analyzing possible candidates, although the selection of the new general coordinator of the youth teams will likely be left for the last weeks of the year
His time at River
His story in Núñez began in 1981, when Adolfo Pedernera opened the doors of the club to him after seeing his work in the baby football of the Sociedad de Fomento Lourdes. That first cycle lasted until 1991 and was marked by his initial steps in the youth categories, where he began to work and develop his recruitment methodology. During that period, he also made one of the most important discoveries of his career: Marcelo Gallardo, whom he brought to River when he was just 12 years old. His departure occurred during the presidency of Alfredo Davicce.
After that first stint with the Millonario, Rodríguez continued his career at San Lorenzo, where he worked for several years in the lower divisions. His return to River was finalized in 2006, to begin his second cycle as general coordinator of the youth teams. In that phase, in addition to his role in youth football, he had an experience leading the professional team: he temporarily managed the First Team for five matches in 2008, following the departure of Diego Simeone. A year later, he left the institution again with the arrival of Daniel Passarella as president.
Gabriel Rodríguez had three stages in River
The third and final stage began in 2014, after the assumption of Rodolfo D'Onofrio. Rodríguez returned to occupy an important place in the training structure and, over the years, established himself as one of the main references in the area. In fact, in mid-2024 he was close to leaving his duties for personal reasons, but Jorge Brito, along with Matías Patanian and Enzo Francescoli, convinced him to stay.
At the end of that same year, Marcelo Gallardo once again trusted him as part of the football restructuring he led after his return. In 2025, the Muñeco confirmed him as general coordinator of all youth football, extending his work until November 2026, when he finally decided to retire.
Indeed, the current coach represents one of the most important discoveries of his career, although his legacy is not limited to him alone. He has also worked with footballers of the caliber of Hernán Crespo, Pablo Aimar, Javier Saviola, Andrés D'Alessandro, Erik Lamela, Manuel Lanzini, the Funes Mori twins, Germán Pezzella, Gonzalo Montiel, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernández, and Julián Álvarez, among many others.
