Mexico City – The name of Martín Anselmi continues to swirl around Cruz Azul, despite his recent managerial setbacks. After a brief and unsuccessful stint with Botafogo in Brazil – where he was dismissed after just over two months – Anselmi publicly expressed a desire to return to La Máquina, a club he left under less-than-ideal circumstances. This has sparked a reaction within the Cruz Azul dressing room, and club officials are reportedly firm in their current direction.
Anselmi’s managerial journey since departing Cruz Azul has been turbulent. He was sacked by Porto following a disappointing performance in the 2025 Club World Cup, and his attempt at a revival with Botafogo ended swiftly. Despite these challenges, reports indicate Anselmi pocketed over $9 million in severance payments from these two clubs. He recently stated in a podcast interview, “Ours with Cruz Azul is a story that still doesn’t have an ending. In some moment, like the song says, ‘a story that still doesn’t have an ending,’ and I think that ending isn’t the one I wanted. I would change many things in my career just to have won the tenth title with Cruz Azul.” This sentiment, however, hasn’t been warmly received by everyone at Cruz Azul.
Dressing Room Concerns
According to journalist Marco Cancino, reporting via Nación Azul on TUDN, the message within Cruz Azul is clear: the project is centered around current manager Nicolás Larcamón. Cancino reports that sporting director Iván Alonso was not pleased to hear discussions of a “second stage” for Anselmi, particularly as the team faces a critical phase of the tournament. The timing of Anselmi’s comments, with Cruz Azul performing well under Larcamón, has been viewed as disruptive.
Emanuel Villa, a former player and current analyst, also voiced his reservations. “Anselmi left a mark, that’s true, but today Cruz Azul has a different identity. You can’t live in the past when the present is giving you results; the dressing room is united, but those kinds of ‘shadows’ always make things uncomfortable.” This suggests a concern that Anselmi’s continued presence in the conversation could undermine the team’s current momentum.
Larcamón and the Directorial Response
The question of whether Anselmi’s remarks have unsettled Larcamón himself has also been raised. Cancino notes that while Larcamón is a focused professional, it’s natural to be affected by the lingering shadow of a former manager, especially when that manager actively fuels the speculation. He emphasizes that the club’s leadership needs to address the situation decisively.
The club appears to be doing just that. Sources indicate a firm stance against re-hiring Anselmi, prioritizing the current project under Larcamón. The manner of Anselmi’s previous departure also remains a point of contention, described as “unprofessional and abusive” by some within the organization. This past behavior is reportedly a significant factor in the club’s unwillingness to consider a reunion.
Anselmi’s rapid dismissal from Botafogo, after less than three months in charge, further complicates the situation. The Brazilian club stated they did not see the “evolution, progress, and results” they expected, a sentiment that echoes concerns raised during his time at Porto.
It’s a stark contrast to the current situation at Cruz Azul, where Larcamón has instilled a renewed sense of optimism and stability. The team is currently competing at the top of the league, and the club is hesitant to disrupt that progress with a return to a manager whose methods and recent track record have been questioned.
For now, it appears Cruz Azul is firmly focused on the present and the future under Nicolás Larcamón, effectively closing the door on a potential second chapter with Martín Anselmi. The club is prioritizing the current trajectory and protecting the positive environment Larcamón has cultivated within the team.
Cruz Azul will next face [Opponent to be determined – information not available in sources] on [Date to be determined – information not available in sources] at [Venue to be determined – information not available in sources]. Fans can follow updates and official announcements on the club’s official website and social media channels.
