Passarella returns to manage River Plate (11 Jan 2006 17:09 GMT)
Daniel Alberto Passarella will return as manager of River Plate, replacing Reinaldo "Mustard" Merlo, who quit citing a lack of support from his players and the team's directors.
Rodolfo Cuina, one of the club's board of directors, told reporters about the decision late Monday. A formal announcement was expected possibly Tuesday after the return of River Plate Board President Jose Maria Aguilar from Brazil.
Passarella, 52, was known as "The Kaiser," and was one of the best defenders in the history of Argentine soccer, debuting as a River Plate player in 1974.
His last game was against Boca Juniors in July 1989, before he went on to coach River Plate until 1993, leading the team to three championships during his tenure.
Passarella coached Argentina's national squad from 1994 until 1998, and was managed several Mexican club teams as well as Uruguay's national squad and Brazil's Corinthians.
Merlo, 54, confirmed Monday that he will resign after River Plate captain Marcelo Gallardo told local media Sunday night that "90 percent of the roster disagrees with (Merlo's) management."
The 32-time league champion went winless in its final four matches and finished sixth in the Apertura championship which ended last month, 12 points behind title winner and crosstown rival Boca Juniors. The Clausura season begins Jan. 29.
source : FOXSports