A Martín Anselmi 'on the edge' returns to Ecuador with Botafogo to face Barcelona SC in the Copa Libertadores
Martín Anselmi's Botafogo qualified for the third phase of the Copa Libertadores, but growing fan discontent threatens his position as head coach.
Botafogo, under the leadership of Argentine coach Martín Anselmi, recently secured a spot in the third phase of the Copa Libertadores by defeating Nacional de Potosí 2-0 in the return match, resulting in an aggregate score of 2-1. Despite this victory, the win has not been enough to quell the growing discontent among the fans, as Botafogo's poor performances in recent matches have left supporters frustrated and questioning Anselmi's tactics and decision-making. Prior to this win, the team had suffered a streak of five consecutive losses, highlighting a troubling period for the club.
The social media backlash has been swift, with fans expressing their dissatisfaction through harsh criticisms of Anselmi and calling for his dismissal. Even after the team's victory, comments such as “disastrous” and “pathetic” were prevalent, indicating that the win has done little to resolve the underlying issues within the team. Brazilian media outlets noted that had Botafogo been eliminated by Potosí, it likely would have resulted in Anselmi’s immediate termination, suggesting that the pressure is mounting on him to deliver better results as the tournament progresses.
Looking ahead, Botafogo is set to face Barcelona SC in the next round of the Copa Libertadores, a match that is not only critical for their advancement in the tournament but also pivotal for Anselmi's future as head coach. The upcoming games will be crucial for the team’s morale and Anselmi’s ability to regain the trust of the fans, as a failure to perform could result in significant consequences. The landscape for Botafogo is tense as they navigate their recent successes and the weight of fan expectations, amplifying the pressure on the coaching staff and players alike.