FC Porto has decided to end Martín Anselmi tenure as manager, just six months after his arrival. The trigger was the club early elimination in the group stage of the Club World Cup in the United States, where the Portuguese team failed to live up to expectations.

The Club World Cup, its verdict

Although several European teams have not prioritized the Club World Cup, adverse results can directly impact institutional stability. This was the case in Porto, where the long-term project with the young Argentine coach ended abruptly, despite his contract until June 2027.

The team's results in the tournament were disappointing: a 0-0 draw against Palmeiras in their debut, a 2-1 defeat to Lionel Messi Inter Miami (scoring a stunning free-kick), and a 4-4 draw against Al-Ahly. With just two points, the Portuguese side were eliminated in the first round, despite having started as favorites to top Group A.

A Season Without Titles or Champions League

Beyond the international setback, Anselmi domestic performances also failed to align. Porto failed to win the Portuguese league, which went to Sporting Lisbon, and also failed to qualify for the next edition of the UEFA Champions League.

In the absence of an official statement, Portugal has considered the Argentine coach's tenure to be over. He managed a total of 21 matches, with a record of 10 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses.

He wasn't the only one fired

Anselmi isn't the only coach to lose his job after the Club World Cup. This Monday, Renato Paiva departure from Botafogo was also confirmed. They were eliminated in the round of 16, just ten days after beating PSG 1-0 in the group stage.

Francesco Farioli, the imminent replacement

According to Portuguese media reports, Porto already has a successor lined up: Francesco Farioli, the 36-year-old Italian coach who managed Ajax last season. His team lost the Eredivisie title to PSV, despite leading the table by nine points, marking a painful end. At the end of the season, Farioli broke down in tears over the lost opportunity.

With previous spells at Fatih Karagümrük SK, Alanyaspor (Turkey), Nice in France and Ajax in the Netherlands, Farioli would sign with Porto for the next two seasons, with the mission of relaunching a club that will compete in the Europa League and fight for the local title.

A misstep or the beginning of a decline?

After his surprising departure from Cruz Azul in Mexico, Martín Anselmi career has entered an uncertain phase. What seemed like a leap to Europe ended in a misstep. Was it bad luck or a bad decision? The truth is that the Argentine coach will have to rethink his future and find a way to relaunch his career in the competitive world of international football.