Porto Fires Manager Anselmi After Poor Club World Cup Show, What’s Next? | Tactical Breakdown

Porto’s Sudden Exit From the Club World Cup

It happened faster than a counter-attack in Rio de Janeiro: Martin Anselmi was dismissed by FC Porto just days after their underwhelming exit from the FIFA Club World Cup. The stats don’t lie — two draws, one defeat, five goals scored, six conceded. As the worst-performing European side in Group A, it wasn’t just disappointing; it was catastrophic for a club built on tactical discipline and silverware pedigree.

I’ve been tracking Portuguese football since my days at LSE, and let me tell you — even my telenovela-loving aunt back in Lisbon didn’t expect this. But here we are: a manager who had already delivered solid results domestically (third place last season) is gone before he could even settle.

Why Did It Happen So Fast?

You might think “one bad tournament” isn’t enough to fire someone — but Porto doesn’t play by average rules. They’re not just a club; they’re an institution shaped by legends like Eusebio and Deco. When your brand is tied to consistent performance on global stages, failing abroad becomes personal.

Anselmi took over in January 2025 after a promising stint in Belgium and Brazil’s top flight. His first campaign showed promise: 10 wins, 6 draws from 21 games. But when it came to international exposure? The wheels fell off.

Data reveals something deeper: Porto’s xG (expected goals) was below average during those matches — not because of poor finishing but due to structural issues in transition defense. That’s where my Python models come in: I ran simulations showing how much better they’d have done with tighter pressing zones.

The Search for the New Coach – And Who Might Fill It

Enter Fabio Farioli — former boss of Ajax and Nice — now set for Turin-level expectations at Dragão Stadium. If true (and sources confirm), this is no mid-tier hire. Farioli brings elite defensive organization and high-intensity pressing systems that align perfectly with modern European standards.

But here’s my take: Can he fix what wasn’t broken except on the world stage? There’s always risk when replacing success with ambition.

We’re witnessing a classic case of short-term pain vs long-term vision — common across elite clubs like Chelsea or PSG when results falter under pressure.

What This Means for Portuguese Football & Analytics Trends

This decision sends ripples beyond Oporto. It proves that even coaches who perform well domestically must deliver on global platforms now more than ever.

It also highlights how analytics are no longer optional tools — they’re required ammunition for front-office decisions. My xG/xA models flagged early warning signs during pre-tournament training sessions; unfortunately, those weren’t acted upon fast enough.

And yes, I still drum along to samba beats while reviewing match footage every morning at 5:30 AM precisely because passion fuels precision… even if sometimes it leads to fiery exits like this one.

So what comes next? Watch closely: Farioli may reshape Porto’s structure entirely through data-driven rotations and player tracking protocols inspired by Manchester City’s lab model.