Juan Cortese explained why the internal conflict between D'Onofrio and Demichelis affects River

River is experiencing a moment of euphoria after the victory in the superclásico against Boca. However, amid the enthusiasm and joy of the players, the fans, and Marcelo Gallardo, an unexpected issue began to strongly establish itself on the club's agenda. A dispute between Rodolfo D'Onofrio and Martín Demichelis that, according to Juan Cortese, had a strong internal impact.

D'Onofrio's initial criticism

On the program "Gol Gana" by Olga, the former president of the Millonario had targeted Micho after last week's Superclásico.

"Demichelis not only lacks charisma to reach people. But he made a mistake that not even an 8-year-old would make: you can't talk off the record with seven journalists and tell them that such a player such a thing," said D'Onofrio, referring to the coach who currently works in Mexico.

"He broke everything. When I found out about that, I came back and told them: 'You have to fire him!' Because he won't be able to manage this group anymore," stated D'Onofrio.

Demichelis's response

In a press conference, a Mexican journalist asked the current coach of Rayados de Monterrey about his reaction to the statements of the former president of the Núñez team.

"If you're worried about what he said, what I can tell you about Rodolfo D'Onofrio is that I stick with the D'Onofrio who wrote me two spectacular messages. Welcoming me to the club and bidding me farewell the day I left. There are those two messages in my WhatsApp. And I'll take them to the grave.  With that Rodolfo D'Onofrio I stick, the former president of River," replied the coach.

Cortese's opinion

The Tyc Sports journalist opined that the comment from the former River president was "quite out of place," although he acknowledged that it represents him. In his view,  bringing that episode back to the present, right after the victory against Boca, wasn't the most opportune. He also pointed out that Demichelis seems to be "exhausted from taking hits from different fronts" (from Mexico for his performance in Monterrey, and from Buenos Aires by former club officials).

He also emphasized that this confrontation "doesn't do the club any good,” and highlighted the composure with which Demichelis replied. For Cortese, those who know D'Onofrio agree that he could have been more prudent with his statements. He also believes that  the comment not only targeted Demichelis but deliberately left out the current president Jorge Brito, by pointing out that he had spoken with another official.

Meanwhile, the journalist argued that this fight has a political background. "It's trendy to hit Demichelis. This comes to him from Buenos Aires after a Superclásico. I don't know D'Onofrio's intention, but he evidently wanted to say it," he expressed.

Finally, he mentioned that  River will hold elections at the end of November and that, although the candidates haven't been defined yet, it's rumored that D'Onofrio would accompany an existing list. "From wherever he is, D'Onofrio's word and thought are very strong for River," he concluded.