The RB Leipzig manager, who handed Mastantuono his senior debut at River Plate when he was just 16, discussed his former player ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid. Mastantuono joined Madrid from River in 2025 in a record-breaking transfer for Argentine football but is now on loan at Fiorentina for the 2026–27 season in search of more regular playing time. Demichelis remains convinced that the young Argentine has what it takes to succeed at Madrid, despite the challenges he faced during his first season in Spain. “Franco needs time. You only have to look at how many South American players have joined major European clubs and needed time to find their feet. Santiago Solari and Gonzalo Higuaín both needed time, especially when you're so young,” he explained. The former River coach had been convinced of Mastantuono’s potential long before his move to Spain. He also recalled the process behind the youngster’s breakthrough at River. “Franco didn’t make his debut at 16 by magic. There’s a great story behind it. I spoke with him, River’s directors and his parents before giving him his debut, to make sure everyone understood what was coming,” Demichelis recalled. He explained that Mastantuono stood out in training not only for his technical ability but also for his physical condition, recovery and personality. “He was among the three to five best players physically in our day-to-day work, especially when it came to recovery. On top of that, he had the personality and the ability to handle the moment.” Demichelis also revealed that he opposed setting Mastantuono’s release clause at the same level as Claudio Echeverri’s, who was sold to Manchester City. “I told them no, that it was a mistake, because Franco was on a different level. He was going to be a Real Madrid player. I saw it very clearly,” he said. River ultimately secured a fee that Demichelis described as extraordinary by Argentine football standards, with the transfer becoming the most expensive sale in the country's history. Despite his confidence in Mastantuono, Demichelis acknowledged the enormous pressure that comes with playing for Real Madrid. “I have no doubt about his abilities or his personality. Real Madrid doesn’t wait for anyone. Now he’s decided to go out to Italy so he can play more, but I have no doubt that Franco is a player for Real Madrid, because of his personality and his physical and technical ability,” he said.   submitted by   /u/Maleficent-Choice254 [link]   [comments]