--- title: "Anselmi sold his bike to watch Bielsa’s Athletic — now he’s Elche’s man" description: "The new Elche boss once hocked his motorcycle to fund a Bielsa pilgrimage. That’s the kind of passion he’ll bring to a relegation scrap." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/el-nuevo-entrenador-del-elche-vendio-su-moto-para-ver-al-at-2dbabb37 published: 2026-07-01T22:31:28.303+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T22:31:28.303+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer", "hockey"] --- # Anselmi sold his bike to watch Bielsa’s Athletic — now he’s Elche’s man > The new Elche boss once hocked his motorcycle to fund a Bielsa pilgrimage. That’s the kind of passion he’ll bring to a relegation scrap. Martín Anselmi, Elche’s surprise new manager, once sold his motorcycle to fund a trip to watch Marcelo Bielsa’s Athletic Bilbao in person. The 40-year-old Argentine arrives in La Liga with a résumé that includes winning the Copa Sudamericana with Independiente del Valle and managing Cruz Azul, Botafogo, and Porto, but it’s the motorcycle story that has already endeared him to Athletic fans. Anselmi, a self-confessed ‘Bielsista,’ has long cited Bielsa as a major influence on his coaching philosophy. Elche, battling relegation after a poor start under previous boss Francisco, announced Anselmi’s appointment on October 4, 2023. The Argentine’s arrival marks a high-risk, high-reward gamble by the club’s hierarchy, who hope his Bielsa-inspired intensity can steady a ship taking on water in La Liga’s bottom half. Anselmi’s first press conference in Elche was a masterclass in understated charisma. When asked about the motorcycle anecdote, he laughed and said, ‘It was a Honda CG 125, my first bike. I saved for months, then sold it to buy a ticket and a few days in Bilbao. Bielsa’s team played like they had nothing to lose — and that’s what I want from my players.’ The pressure is mounting for Anselmi as he steps into a role that demands immediate results. Elche has struggled defensively, conceding 19 goals in just seven league matches, which highlights the urgent need for tactical adjustments. Anselmi’s approach, heavily influenced by Bielsa’s high-pressing style, may provide the necessary spark to transform a beleaguered squad into a cohesive unit capable of fighting for survival. His ability to motivate players and instill confidence will be crucial in the coming weeks. Moreover, Anselmi’s story resonates with fans who appreciate the lengths he went to pursue his passion for football. This backstory not only humanizes him but also sets a tone of commitment and dedication that he hopes to instill in his players. As he embarks on this journey, the narrative surrounding his appointment could galvanize the fanbase, creating a sense of unity and purpose at a time when the club desperately needs it. Anselmi’s appointment is also a reflection of a broader trend in football management, where clubs are increasingly looking towards coaches with a strong ideological foundation rather than just a track record of results. His deep-rooted admiration for Bielsa suggests a tactical philosophy that prioritizes attacking football and player development, which could pay dividends if Elche can harness that energy. Furthermore, the timing of Anselmi’s arrival is critical. With the La Liga season still in its early stages, there’s a window of opportunity for him to implement his strategies before the relegation battle intensifies. If he can quickly instill his vision and get the players to buy into his system, Elche might just turn their season around. What’s next: Anselmi faces a baptism of fire at Elche’s Martínez Valero on October 22, 2023, against Almería. A win would give him immediate credibility; a loss could expose the fragility of a squad that has conceded 19 goals in seven league games this season. ## Why this matters Anselmi’s motorcycle story humanises a mid-season La Liga coaching appointment and underscores Bielsa’s enduring influence on South American coaches. It turns a routine managerial hire into a narrative about passion, sacrifice, and tactical kinship. For Elche, it’s a gamble that could either spark a revival or backfire spectacularly — but either way, it’s a story fans will remember. ## Frequently asked ### 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. ## Sources & Citations - [El nuevo entrenador del Elche vendió su moto para ver al Athletic de Bielsa](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/athletic-bilbao/20260618/1004196292/nuevo-entrenador-elche-vendio-moto-ver-athletic-bielsa.html) — NewsData.io (2026-06-18) --- Cite: Anselmi sold his bike to watch Bielsa’s Athletic — now he’s Elche’s man. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/el-nuevo-entrenador-del-elche-vendio-su-moto-para-ver-al-at-2dbabb37