Martin Anselmi Takes Over As FC Porto's New Head Coach Following Vitor Bruno's Departure

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Martin Anselmi has been appointed as the new coach of Porto, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract. He replaces Vitor Bruno, who was dismissed last week due to poor performances in both the Primeira Liga and Europa League. Porto currently sits third in the league and 25th in the European competition standings.

Bruno's tenure at Porto ended after he managed only 11 victories out of 29 matches, culminating in three consecutive defeats across all competitions. Despite leading the team to the Portuguese Super Cup, his overall performance led to his departure from Estadio do Dragao.

Anselmi joins Porto from Cruz Azul, a Liga MX club he joined just over a year ago. During his time there, he achieved significant success, winning four major honours. Notably, he guided Cruz Azul to victory in the Copa Sudamericana by defeating Sao Paulo in the final in 2022.

The 39-year-old coach had an impressive record with Cruz Azul, securing 26 wins out of 50 games. His win percentage stood at 52% across all competitions during his tenure with La Maquina.

Anselmi's debut task will be against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League on Thursday. Porto must secure a victory in this final league phase match to advance to the play-off round of the competition.

During his unveiling on Monday, Anselmi expressed his excitement about joining Porto. "In a few hours, when we start working with the squad, we will build a team that represents and identifies with the blue and whites," he stated.

Anselmi's Vision for FC Porto

Anselmi acknowledged the significance of FC Porto and expressed gratitude for the opportunity. "It is clear what FC Porto means. This is our first experience in Europe as a technical staff and the doors of such a big club have opened for us where they invited us to participate with great conviction," he said.

He also reflected on his decision to join Porto despite challenges elsewhere: "Of course it was difficult for the other side, but I felt that if I didn't accept this invitation I wouldn't be okay where I was."

Support from FC Porto Community

Anselmi praised the support he received since arriving in Portugal: "I've already talked about the story and the titles, but people also tell it. Since I arrived in Portugal, everyone at FC Porto has helped me with everything and anything."

He emphasised passion as a driving force: "That is the essence of every human being at this club, the essence of work and passion. To do things well you have to do them with passion and that's what I was passionate about about this club."