Brazilian Botafogo has fired head coach Argentine Martin Anselmi, just three months after hiring him, despite winning their last match. The club's management from Rio de Janeiro stated in an official statement that they did not see the 'evolution, progress, and results' they had expected, indicating that a coaching change was 'necessary' to achieve this season's objectives. At the same time, they expressed gratitude for Anselmi's 'dedication' and 'work ethic' and the technical commission that arrived with him at the end of last December. The Rio de Janeiro club announced that while owner American billionaire John Textor and the football department search for a new coach, the position will be assumed by the under-20 team coach, Rodrigo Bellão. Botafogo defeated Bragantino 2-1 this Saturday, allowing them to climb two positions in the standings and temporarily leave the relegation zone. Before the match, Anselmi had attributed the team's poor performance to injuries to several players and problems with signings at the start of the season. The 2024 Copa Libertadores and Brazilian league champions are currently in sixteenth place in the domestic championship table after four defeats in their last five matches. Additionally, Botafogo was eliminated last week in the preliminary stage of the Libertadores, losing at their own stadium to Ecuadorian Barcelona.
