Former Cruz Azul Coach Set to Replace Ancelotti at Botafogo in Brazil

Former Cruz Azul head coach Martín Anselmi is on the verge of returning to the sidelines, and his next destination is shaping up to be Brazil rather than Mexico or Europe. After his departure from Cruz Azul and an unsuccessful stint with FC Porto, the Argentine coach is close to taking on a new challenge in the Brazilian Série A.

Anselmi has emerged as the leading candidate to become the new head coach of Botafogo, where he would replace Davide Ancelotti. While an official announcement has not yet been made, sources indicate that Botafogo’s leadership has already leaned toward Anselmi as their top choice. The opportunity comes after Anselmi was left without a club following his exit from Porto, where results fell short of expectations after the Club World Cup.

The task ahead will not be an easy one. Botafogo is coming off one of the most successful periods in its recent history, having won the Copa Libertadores for the first time in 2024. That achievement raised expectations significantly, making the next managerial appointment a critical decision for the club.

Davide Ancelotti’s departure opened the door for this transition. Despite finishing his tenure with a ten-match unbeaten run and securing a place in the Copa Libertadores playoff round, Ancelotti stepped down following internal conflicts with the club’s board. The situation escalated after the dismissal of fitness coach Luca Guerra, a decision Ancelotti strongly opposed. That disagreement ultimately brought his time at Botafogo to an end.

For Anselmi, the potential move represents a pivotal moment in his coaching career. Taking charge of a reigning continental champion would offer him a chance to rebuild momentum and reestablish his reputation after a turbulent period. If confirmed, the move would also mark a definitive step away from Liga MX and signal his commitment to forging a new chapter in Brazilian football.