The start of the new year brought important news for River Plate of Argentina, who agreed to the return of one of the most representative names from their most successful recent era. Starting January 2nd, former goalkeeper Marcelo Barovero begins a new chapter at the club, joining the coaching staff led by Marcelo Gallardo as goalkeeping coach. This move marks the return of a player who left a deep mark on River Plate and now returns in a different role, aiming to contribute his experience and knowledge to the first team. Get a 20% discount on UEFA Champions League broadcasts in Spanish on DAZN. Barovero will have his first day of work at River Camp and will be part of the delegation that travels to San Martin de los Andes to continue the second phase of preseason training. There, the team will fine-tune its physical and tactical preparations for a demanding season, in which the club aims to maintain its prominence both domestically and internationally. A strategic return to strengthen a key position. The arrival of the former goalkeeper, who won championships in Mexico with Monterrey and Necaxa, represents a significant decision within the club's sporting strategy. In recent weeks, River Plate also finalized the signings of Anibal Moreno and Fausto Vera to reinforce the midfield, in a transfer market that aims to combine experience, depth, and balance. In this context, Barovero's inclusion in the goalkeeping department appears to be a move to reinforce a historically sensitive position. The former footballer, who defended River Plate's goal between 2012 and 2016, returns to the club after announcing his retirement from professional football at Banfield in 2024. According to the club, his arrival does not imply the departure of Alberto "Tato" Montes; rather, both will share leadership of the goalkeeping department, with the aim of enhancing the performance and development of the goalkeepers in both the professional squad and the youth divisions. The goalkeeping situation was a central topic of discussion during the break. Franco Armani remains the undisputed starter, with a contract until December of this year and the full support of the coaching staff.River Plate also re-signed Ezequiel Centurion after his stint at Independiente Rivadavia, while Jeremias Ledesma may seek more playing time at another club. During his playing career, Barovero played for Atletico de Rafaela, Huracan, Velez Sarsfield, Necaxa, Monterrey, Burgos, and Banfield. At River Plate, he won two domestic titles and four international titles, including the Copa Libertadores, the Copa Sudamericana, the Recopa Sudamericana, and the Suruga Bank Championship. His penalty save against Emmanuel Gigliotti in a Copa Libertadores Superclasico against Boca Juniors remains one of the most memorable moments of his time there.