Botafogo accelerated negotiations for a new coach after the departure of Davide Ancelotti, who left the club due to internal differences over the coaching staff. Argentinean Martín Anselmi, 40 years old, former coach of Porto, has gained strength behind the scenes as one of the main candidates to take charge of the black and white team from the 2026 season onwards. The board, led by John Textor, is looking for a professional with South American experience and the ability to implement an offensive style of play, and Anselmi fits this profile.
The search for a replacement began immediately after the announcement of the termination with Ancelotti, in December 2025. The Argentine coach has already shown interest in returning to Brazilian football, where he worked as an assistant at Internacional in 2021.
- Botafogo needs to define the coach quickly to plan the pre-season.
- The Pré-Libertadores requires advance preparation, with initial knockouts.
- Anselmi knows the local market and can adapt his style to the current cast.
Trajectory of Martín Anselmi
Martín Anselmi built a rising career in South American football before his European experience. Ele stood out in the Independiente of the Valle, of the Esses titles marked the coach as a promising name in the new generation of Argentine coaches.
At the Ecuadorian club, Anselmi implemented ball possession and high intensity football, with quick transitions. Sua’s passage through Cruz Azul, in México, was also positive, taking the team to the final of Clausura in one of the tournaments. Antes, commanded Unión La Calera, in Chile, consolidating his reputation in continental competitions.
Anselmi started as an assistant in smaller clubs at Argentina and accompanied Miguel Ángel Ramírez on projects at Equador and Brasil. Sua experience at Internacional included interim commands, which gave him familiarity with Brazilian football. The board of directors of Botafogo sees this history as an opportunity to bring modern ideas.
Other options on the radar
Botafogo evaluates multiple names to avoid planning delays. Rafael Guanaes, from Mirassol, was approached, but rejected the proposal to remain at the São Paulo club. The coach had been the main initial target due to his good performance in the Brasileirão of 2025.
Another name considered is Vasco Matos, from Santa Clara, from Portugal. The preference for foreign profiles with experience in competitive leagues persists, but Anselmi has gained ground due to its immediate availability. John Textor centralizes decisions and intends to complete the interviews in the next few days.
- Vasco Matos represents the previously adopted line of Portuguese coaches.
- Other foreign profiles are analyzed to compare tactical styles.
- The choice prioritizes compatibility with the cast and ambitions at Libertadores.
Playing style under analysis
Anselmi’s tactical scheme, often with a line of three defenders, divides internal opinions at Botafogo. The style is pleasing due to its offensive proposal and high pressure, but it requires adaptations in the current squad. The board studies detailed reports to assess feasibility.
Anselmi prioritizes qualified ball possession and constant movements in attack. No Independiente del Valle, your team was notable for exploring spaces with versatile players. No Porto, faced adaptation challenges, but maintained principles of intensity.
The evaluation includes how the coach handles knockout competitions. Sua experience in continental knockouts is seen as a differentiator for Pré-Libertadores. Botafogo is looking for a professional who can raise the competitive level in international tournaments.
Ancelotti output context
Davide Ancelotti left Botafogo after disagreements over changes to the coaching staff. The Italian had a contract until the end of 2026, but opted for an amicable termination. The club was grateful for the work and immediately began the transition.
The 2025 season ended with Botafogo in sixth place in Brasileirão, guaranteeing a place in Libertadores via the pre-phase. The board wants to avoid prolonged soap operas, as occurred in previous processes. Textor emphasized the need for a coach aligned with the long-term vision.
Challenges for the 2026 season
The new coach will face Pré-Libertadores at the beginning of the year, with decisive clashes to reach the group stage. Botafogo plans reinforcements in the market to strengthen the squad. Anselmi could bring knowledge of South American competitions.
The choice will impact the style of play consolidated in recent years. The club seeks a balance between solid defense and efficient attack. Anselmi represents a commitment to tactical innovation.
Internal assessment in progress
John Textor reviews final reports on Anselmi and other candidates. Contatos initials have already taken place, and interviews should advance next week. The Argentine is seen positively due to his youth and recent achievements.
The selection process prioritizes group managers and the ability to constantly evolve. Anselmi stands out for his work in medium-sized clubs with impressive results. The final decision aims to prepare the team for multiple fronts.
Botafogo maintains secrecy about advances, but sources indicate a preference for Anselmi. Sua passing through Brasil as an assistant facilitates adaptation. The club intends to announce the name before the end of the year.
