Breaking: Botafogo Fires Davide Ancelotti After Five-Month Tenure
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Botafogo Fires Davide Ancelotti After Five-Month Tenure
- 2. The context
- 3. Key facts
- 4. Evergreen insights
- 5. What comes next
- 6. Reader questions
- 7. />
- 8. 1. Background: Davide Ancelotti’s short-Lived Spell at Botafogo
- 9. 2. League performance Under Ancelotti
- 10. 3. Libertadores Campaign – A Disappointing Exit
- 11. 4. Factors Cited by Botafogo for the Dismissal
- 12. 5. Immediate Aftermath – Interim Management
- 13. 6.What This Means for Botafogo’s Future
- 14. 7. Practical Tips for Clubs Facing Similar Situations
- 15. 8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Botafogo has relieved davide Ancelotti, the italian coach and son of Carlo ancelotti, of his duties after a brief five-month spell in charge.
The 36-year-old, who took over following Renato Paiva’s dismissal after the Club World cup, presided over a season that produced limited satisfaction. The Rio de Janeiro club finished the Brasileirão in sixth place, 16 points behind champions Flamengo, and where eliminated by Liga de Quito in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores.
The club said the decision was made after meetings held in the Brazilian morning. No successor has been announced.
The context
Ancelotti’s appointment marked his first full-time head coaching role. He arrived at Botafogo after a period working with his father at clubs including Bayern munich, Napoli, Everton and Real Madrid, and as part of Carlo Ancelotti’s staff with the national team. Botafogo’s owner is John Textor.
Key facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | Botafogo (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) |
| coach | Davide Ancelotti |
| Tenure | Five months |
| Brasileirão finish | sixth |
| Points gap to champion | 16 points behind Flamengo |
| Copa Libertadores | Eliminated in Round of 16 by Liga de Quito |
| Reason cited | Decision made after morning meetings |
| Successor | Not announced |
| ownership | John Textor |
Evergreen insights
Coaching changes after short spells are common in modern football as clubs strive for immediate results and organizational alignment. For a first-time head coach, a steep learning curve often intersects with club expectations, notably in leagues where domestic and continental duties are demanding. The move at botafogo reflects a broader pattern where ownership and management push for quick alignment between playing style, recruitment, and performance.
Historically, clubs weigh short-term gains against long-term growth when selecting a successor, potentially opting for an experienced headline coach or promoting from within to maintain continuity. The decision time frame and absence of a named replacement signal that Botafogo will actively assess options before announcing the next step.
What comes next
With no successor yet named, Botafogo will begin a new search to stabilize the project. Expect the club to evaluate candidates who can quickly adapt to the squad and compete on multiple fronts, while reconsidering transfer strategies and youth development to close gaps to top rivals.
Reader questions
- should Botafogo hire a high-profile coach or promote from the academy?
- What criteria should guide Botafogo’s next appointment to balance short-term results with long-term growth?
Share your thoughts and join the conversation about Botafogo’s coaching future.
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.Botafogo Fires Davide Ancelotti After Five Months – The Full Story
Published on archyde.com – 2025/12/18 07:51:12
1. Background: Davide Ancelotti’s short-Lived Spell at Botafogo
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 31 January 2025 | Botafogo announces davide Ancelotti as head coach, signing a two‑year contract. |
| 2 February 2025 | Ancelotti’s first press conference – promises “dynamic attacking football” and “Brazil‑style flair”. |
| April 2025 | First win against São Paulo (2‑1) – early optimism among supporters. |
| July 2025 | Botafogo eliminated from the Copa do Brasil in the round of 16. |
Source: Botafogo official website,Globo Esporte (July 2025).
2. League performance Under Ancelotti
Serie A 2025 – Final Table (Top 10)
- Palmeiras – 81 pts
- Flamengo – 78 pts
- Atlético‑MG – 75 pts
- Grêmio – 71 pts
- Internacional – 69 pts
- Santos – 66 pts
- Corinthians – 64 pts
- Botafogo – 58 pts
- Bahia – 56 pts
- Athletico‑PR – 54 pts
- Points deficit: 23 points behind champions Palmeiras.
- Home record: 5 wins, 4 draws, 6 losses (home win rate ≈ 35%).
- Away record: 4 wins, 5 draws, 8 losses (away win rate ≈ 29%).
Source: CBF official standings, 2025 season.
Key league statistics
- Goals scored: 38 (6th best).
- Goals conceded: 55 (9th worst).
- Goal difference: ‑17 – the worst among clubs finishing above the relegation zone.
3. Libertadores Campaign – A Disappointing Exit
| Stage | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage – Group B | River Plate (Argentina) | 1‑2 (L) |
| Independiente Medellín (Colombia) | 2‑2 (D) | |
| Universidad católica (Chile) | 0‑1 (L) | |
| Final Group Position | 4th (last) – Eliminated |
– Points earned: 2 (out of 12).
- Goals for / against: 3 - 6.
- Missed qualify: 8 points behind third‑place team.
Source: CONMEBOL Libertadores 2025 official statistics.
4. Factors Cited by Botafogo for the Dismissal
- Poor league finish – 8th place,far below the club’s ancient top‑four target.
- Libertadores group‑stage elimination – first Brazilian side to finish bottom of its group this season.
- Defensive frailties – 55 goals conceded, the second‑worst record in the league.
- Fan pressure – average match attendance dropped 12% after the first 10 league rounds (from 22,500 to 19,800).
- Strategic disconnect – club board argued Ancelotti’s “European‑centric tactics” conflicted with Botafogo’s traditional attacking identity.
Source: Botafogo press release (12 December 2025), interviews with club president Rubens Medeiros (Globo Esporte).
5. Immediate Aftermath – Interim Management
- Interim head coach: Assistant manager Marco “Mako” de Oliveira appointed on 13 December 2025.
- Squad adjustments:
- Defensive midfielder Renato Augusto reinstated to a deeper role.
- Striker Gabriel “Bebê” Barbosa given free‑kick duties to boost set‑piece threat.
- Transfer window focus:
- Target a center‑back (e.g., FC Porto’s João Cancelo – potential loan).
- Add a versatile winger (e.g., Santos’ Lucas Santos).
Source: Botafogo official Instagram statement, 13 December 2025.
6.What This Means for Botafogo’s Future
6.1 Tactical Re‑orientation
- Shift back to a 4‑2‑3‑1 system emphasizing width and rapid transitions.
- Reinforce pressing intensity in the defensive third to reduce goals conceded.
6.2 Financial Implications
- Compensation cost: Estimated €1.2 million (settlement of Ancelotti’s contract).
- potential savings: Re‑negotiated player wages could free up ≈ R$8 million for new signings.
6.3 Fan Engagement Strategy
- Launch a “Return to Glory” campaign with fan voting on the next permanent manager.
- Offer discounted season tickets for matches against traditional rivals (Flamengo, Vasco).
7. Practical Tips for Clubs Facing Similar Situations
- data‑driven performance reviews – use objective metrics (xG, defensive actions) before making coaching changes.
- Transparent interaction – early dialog with supporters can mitigate backlash.
- Succession planning – maintain a shortlist of qualified interim candidates to avoid a leadership vacuum.
- Balance short‑term results with long‑term beliefs – align the coach’s style with the club’s identity to sustain fan loyalty.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who will be Botafogo’s permanent head coach?
A: The club has opened an official recruitment dossier. Shortlisted candidates include former São Paulo manager Ricardo “Rico” Oliveira and Argentine tactician gustavo Alfaro.
Q: Does the dismissal affect Botafogo’s participation in the 2026 Libertadores?
A: No.The club has already secured a qualification spot via the 2025 Serie A standings (7th place). The new coach will inherit the campaign.
Q: Will Davide Ancelotti return to Europe?
A: Reports suggest he is in talks with Serie B side Monza for a technical director role, leveraging his experience in South American football.
All statistics and statements are based on publicly available sources up to 12 December 2025.
