- Who is Martín Anselmi?
- Martín Anselmi is a 40-year-old Argentine football manager, newly appointed as head coach of Elche CF. He previously managed Independiente del Valle (Copa Sudamericana winners), Cruz Azul, Botafogo, and Porto.
- Why is Anselmi’s motorcycle story significant?
- As a young coach in Argentina, Anselmi sold his Honda CG 125 to fund a trip to watch Marcelo Bielsa’s Athletic Bilbao. The anecdote highlights his lifelong admiration for Bielsa and adds a relatable, human touch to his managerial appointment.
- What clubs has Anselmi managed before Elche?
- Anselmi’s managerial career includes stints at Independiente del Valle (2019–2021, Copa Sudamericana winners), Cruz Azul (2021–2022), Botafogo (2022), and Porto (2022–2023). He also had brief roles at Argentinos Juniors and Newell’s Old Boys.
- When was Anselmi appointed as Elche’s manager?
- Elche announced Anselmi’s appointment on October 4, 2023, following the sacking of Francisco due to poor results in La Liga’s early season.
- What is Bielsa’s influence on Anselmi?
- Anselmi has repeatedly cited Marcelo Bielsa as a major influence on his coaching philosophy. The motorcycle story is a tangible example of his Bielsista credentials, reflecting Bielsa’s high-intensity, high-pressure approach.
- What’s next for Anselmi at Elche?
- Anselmi’s first match in charge is against Almería on October 22, 2023. A win could galvanise the squad and fans, while a loss may expose the team’s relegation vulnerabilities early in his tenure.