BUENOS AIRES, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Argentina's River Plate has appointed Leonardo Ponzio as its interim manager following the departure of Eduardo Coudet, the club said on Thursday.
Coudet tendered his resignation after a penalty shootout defeat to Colombia's Santa Fe in the Copa Sudamericana round of 16 on Wednesday.
"We believe Leonardo possesses all the right qualities and that he is well prepared to handle this period of transition," River Plate president Stefano Di Carlo told reporters.
Despite having his coaching badges, Ponzio has never managed a professional team.
The 44-year-old had two spells as a player at River Plate in a career that spanned 21 years and included eight Argentina caps.
One of Argentina's most successful clubs, River Plate is currently 14th in Zone B of Argentina's Clausura tournament standings with one win from six games. ■
