River Plate Gears Up for 2025 with domestic Preseason and International Friendlies
River Plate is set to kick off its 2025 campaign with a familiar preseason routine, opting for domestic training grounds in San Martín de Los Andes. This marks a return to the strategy employed by manager Marcelo Gallardo in 2022 and 2020, deviating from the team’s recent international preseason tours.
Despite a condensed training schedule and the absence of conventional summer tournaments, Gallardo will have two crucial opportunities to assess his squad’s readiness before the official season commences.The first pleasant match is scheduled for Friday, January 17th, pitting River Plate against the University of Chile in Concepción. This encounter has already sparked significant excitement in Chile, with a packed stadium anticipated.
Just four days later, on January 21st, River Plate will return to Buenos Aires to face a formidable opponent: the Mexican National Team, at the iconic Monumental stadium.
River Plate’s preseason officially begins on January 3rd with mandatory medical examinations. The team will then depart for San Martín de Los Andes the following day.Their return is slated for January 20th, leaving just a few days before their Apertura Tournament debut against Platense on January 25th, away from home.
This preseason schedule, featuring high-profile friendlies against both a South American powerhouse and a CONCACAF giant, will undoubtedly provide valuable preparation for River Plate as they aim for a successful 2025 season.
Back to Basics: Does River Plate’s Preseason Shore Up Success?
Welcome back, sports fans! Today we have a real treat for you – a deep dive into River Plate’s upcoming preseason and the challenges facing the legendary club as they gear up for 2025.
Joining us is none other than Pablo Aimar, former River Plate and Argentina midfield maestro, now a respected football analyst. Pablo, welcome to the show!
Pablo: Thanks for having me. It’s always a pleasure to talk River plate.
Moderator: Let’s jump right in. River is going back to their roots this preseason,opting for domestic training in San Martín de Los Andes instead of those glitzy international tours. As a former player who’s been through several preseasons, what’s your take on this decision by Gallardo?
Pablo: I can understand Gallardo’s thinking.international tours can be tiring and disruptive, especially when you’re up against jet lag and unfamiliar environments. Focusing on a secluded, familiar location like San Martín allows the team to bond and work on their principles without distractions.
Moderator: But with a compressed preseason schedule this year and no summer tournaments, isn’t there a risk of River Plate lacking match sharpness come the apertura opener against Platense?
Pablo: That’s a valid concern. The friendlies against the University of Chile and the Mexican National Team are crucial. Playing against strong opposition, even in prep games, will give Gallardo a good look at his squad’s preparedness. The truth is, these high-intensity friendlies can be more valuable than mindless summer tournament games.
Moderator: The Mexican national team, huh? That’s a big test. do you think that’s a good measuring stick for river Plate’s readiness for the pressures of the Libertadores and a potential Copa América run?
Pablo: Absolutely. Mexico is a strong CONCACAF side, with a lot of technical players and physicality. They’ll push River plate to their limits, and it will reveal any weaknesses Gallardo needs to address. Remember, a good preseason isn’t just about winning, it’s about identifying areas that need improvement.
Moderator: So, based on River Plate’s recent dominance, strong squad, and this challenging preseason schedule, do you see them as frontrunners for the 2025 Apertura crown?
Pablo: River Plate always has a chance! They have the pedigree, the talent, and a manager who knows how to get the best out of his players. But let’s not forget, Argentine football is incredibly competitive. Other teams will be gunning for them, and there are no easy wins in this league.
Moderator: A perfect segue into our reader discussion. What do you think, fans? Will River Plate’s back-to-basics preseason lead to silverware in 2025? share your thoughts in the comments below.
We’ll be back with more analysis and insights next week. Until then, keep the football debates alive!
