River Plate coach sees plans scuttled

Leonardo Astrada announced on Monday that he had been sacked as coach of ailing Argentina footballing giants River Plate after the worst series of results in its history.

Astrada has guided River Plate – winner of two overall Argentinian League championships, six opening season titles and six closing season titles – to a winless streak of five matches, including four defeats with the 0-0 draw on Sunday against Atletico Tucuman the final straw for the club’s board.

River Plate – crowned Copa Libertadores champions twice – have garnered just 13 points from 14 matches of the closing season championship and lie in a lowly 17th position.

“The decision was taken by the board and one has to accept it, but life continues,” Astrada told local radio.

According to press reports veteran coach Angel Cappa – who is having an excellent season with Huracan – is the favourite to take over at the helm.