River Plate begin bid for immediate return to elite

Two weeks after being relegated from Argentina's top division for the first time in their proud history, River Plate returned to training on Monday with the focus already on securing a quick return to the elite. Matias Almeyda, who retired from playing in the wake of River's defeat to Belgrano of Cordoba in a relegation playoff in June, has taken charge of the side in the National B Division. And he told the press that he was confident of securing promotion for the 33-times national champions, despite his lack of experience in the dugout. "I am convinced we can turn things around and I am looking forward to the prospect of leading River back into the top flight," he said. "I am new to the job and only time will tell if I am able to transmit my belief to the players. "I want a team that is strong, fast and combative, but I also want a team that plays football, because in recent times River have struggled to play good football." Almeyda was speaking at the club's Monumental stadium, where he oversaw his first training session on Monday, and where the signs of the damage caused by furious River fans on the day relegation was confirmed remain clearly visible. The relegation has left the Buenos Aires giants having to deal with a massive financial deficit, and they have already been forced to sell young starlet Erik Lamela to Italian side Roma for 12 million euros ($16.8 million) in an attempt to keep the bank manager happy. However, Almeyda has moved to strengthen his attack by adding experienced duo Fernando Cavenaghi and Alejandro 'Chori' Dominguez, who both starred for River earlier in their careers before departing to try their luck in Europe. Cavenaghi previously belonged to French side Bordeaux, while Dominguez returns home from Spanish club Valencia. Now it remains to be seen whether the experienced player turned rookie coach Almeyda has what it takes to return the fallen giants to what they believe is their rightful place, and help them recover a little of their lost pride in the process. The new season is due to get underway on August 6.