With only a few days to go till the end of what most call the worst year in the history of the club, River Plate’s President, Daniel Passarella, had no problems in facing the press and do a review of 2011 from his perspective.
How would you define the year for River Plate?
I would say it was a very complicated year for all the issues that we have gone through since we took over at the club
More specifically, give us some good points and some bad ones of what has happened so far?
Bad is that we got relegated. Good is that, as we said we would do, we have tackled and are winning the battle against deficit in the club. River is not only about football. Thanks to the way we are running things, today we take part in 21 disciplines affiliated to a recognised federation and another 64 non-affiliated. That is 85 different games, sports and activities that our members have access to. Two or three run at a profit or cover the costs, but the rest are run at a loss, but you need to have options for your members.
River is a role model institution to all other clubs in Argentina.
Thinking back now, do you regret adding only Bordegaray to the campaign that took River down to the Nacional B?
Last week we signed Trezeguet, because the Manager wanted him to sign. I guess what I am saying is that we are not Real Madrid or A.C Milan, where the guys at the top sign the players. I let my Managers tell me who they want, and if we can, we go and sign them. If I get a player offered to us, I first relay that info to the Manager, as he may not like that player.
First thing you have to do is listen to the Managers. I know, because I was one , and I did not like having players imposed to me.
Last year we had other options apart from Bordegaray, and the Manager said no.
Should we expect any more news in 2012 regarding the recent audit carried out at the club?
You have had plenty of news this year regarding that audit, the thing is that maybe you did not understand them. The audit of the Aguilar presidency is finished, done.
They have now 3 or 4 court cases where they need to explain a few things. At the time we gave you, the press, all this information, but you did not seem very interested about it. The things they still need to explain are: the sale of Belluschi, a Superclasico played in Bolivia, Other details of players involved on the sale of Belluschi too, so we will have to wait and see.
Are you happy with the team’s performance in the Nacional B so far?
Yes, I am. Particularly because the team has not reached its full potential yet, and can improve in the second half of the season.
To our advantage is that we have more than one player in each position, and in a long and hard tournament, that will play a part.
What will be your new year’s wishes?
My only wish is to always have a happy River Plate family.
My message to all River members and fans is that we are working very hard at the club. We are tidying up a very untidy club.
That we have suffered relegation from the top flight, but are winning the financial battle.
That we would be bankrupt by now, if we did not take the measures that we took..
We are delighted to have posted a $90 million profit this year, but it makes me sad as well, because it makes me think why we never had that kind of balance before? River should always post $40, $50 or even a $100 million profit.
Last but not least our best riverplatense wishes to all for Christmas and a happy new year.
How would you define the year for River Plate?
I would say it was a very complicated year for all the issues that we have gone through since we took over at the club
More specifically, give us some good points and some bad ones of what has happened so far?
Bad is that we got relegated. Good is that, as we said we would do, we have tackled and are winning the battle against deficit in the club. River is not only about football. Thanks to the way we are running things, today we take part in 21 disciplines affiliated to a recognised federation and another 64 non-affiliated. That is 85 different games, sports and activities that our members have access to. Two or three run at a profit or cover the costs, but the rest are run at a loss, but you need to have options for your members.
River is a role model institution to all other clubs in Argentina.
Thinking back now, do you regret adding only Bordegaray to the campaign that took River down to the Nacional B?
Last week we signed Trezeguet, because the Manager wanted him to sign. I guess what I am saying is that we are not Real Madrid or A.C Milan, where the guys at the top sign the players. I let my Managers tell me who they want, and if we can, we go and sign them. If I get a player offered to us, I first relay that info to the Manager, as he may not like that player.
First thing you have to do is listen to the Managers. I know, because I was one , and I did not like having players imposed to me.
Last year we had other options apart from Bordegaray, and the Manager said no.
Should we expect any more news in 2012 regarding the recent audit carried out at the club?
You have had plenty of news this year regarding that audit, the thing is that maybe you did not understand them. The audit of the Aguilar presidency is finished, done.
They have now 3 or 4 court cases where they need to explain a few things. At the time we gave you, the press, all this information, but you did not seem very interested about it. The things they still need to explain are: the sale of Belluschi, a Superclasico played in Bolivia, Other details of players involved on the sale of Belluschi too, so we will have to wait and see.
Are you happy with the team’s performance in the Nacional B so far?
Yes, I am. Particularly because the team has not reached its full potential yet, and can improve in the second half of the season.
To our advantage is that we have more than one player in each position, and in a long and hard tournament, that will play a part.
What will be your new year’s wishes?
My only wish is to always have a happy River Plate family.
My message to all River members and fans is that we are working very hard at the club. We are tidying up a very untidy club.
That we have suffered relegation from the top flight, but are winning the financial battle.
That we would be bankrupt by now, if we did not take the measures that we took..
We are delighted to have posted a $90 million profit this year, but it makes me sad as well, because it makes me think why we never had that kind of balance before? River should always post $40, $50 or even a $100 million profit.
Last but not least our best riverplatense wishes to all for Christmas and a happy new year.