Gustavo Costas spoke about Salas's departure and targeted Marcelo Gallardo

Racing is experiencing turbulent days despite qualifying for the Copa Argentina. The imminent departure of Maximiliano Salas to River, which would trigger his release clause, has caused internal commotion and controversy in Avellaneda. After the victory over San Martín de San Juan by 3-1, coach Gustavo Costas broke his silence and was firm on the matter.

"We have to be thinking about ourselves. We spent 15 days fighting, making Racing fans argue. Some wanted him to leave, others didn't... I apologize to the fans. We all have to be thinking about the dream we have," Costas began, visibly upset by the atmosphere that was created.

Regarding Salas's decision, he added: "I never closed the door to any player. If they want to leave because they think they're going to make more money or go to clubs 'bigger than us'... Racing is always the biggest. I don't close the door to anyone."

The coach defended the squad against criticism over the situation: "No one was talking about the Club World Cup anymore. They only talked about Salas. They threw all the crap at us... But this group is unbelievable, it gets up when it gets hit hard. We only think about Racing and the dream we have."

Finally, Costas targeted Marcelo Gallardo, River's coach, for his role in the striker's departure: "It seems we're better than everyone, if they're coming to get our players... I also call players. But if it's closed, I don't call. If they doubt me, I don't call anymore. I'm not going to get involved in this mess at all."

With Salas about to join River, Racing will have to reorganize its offense while trying to keep its hopes alive in the competitions it is still contesting (Torneo Clausura, Copa Argentina, and Copa Libertadores).