More radical parts of Botafoguismo are rushing into the reviews. What’s more: is the young Italian coach’s work worth preserving?
November 24th
2025
– 1:18 pm
(Updated at 1:18 p.m.)
Photo: Vitor Silva / Botafogo – Caption: Davide Ancelotti has a contract with Botafogo until December 2026 / Jogada10
Despite the seven-game unbeaten run, there remains a strong consensus in Botafoguismo that points to an expiration date for coach Davide Ancelotti. In other words, the stands of Nilton Santos Stadium accept the young Italian coach on the Glorioso bench. But only until 7pm on December 7, when the professional completes his commitments for the weekend of the final round of the Brazilian championship, leads the team against Fortaleza, holds the press conference and departs Colosso do Superbio. From there, receipt. Most blacks and whites, for now, prefer another name for 2026. Tete? Rafael Joannes? Roberto Mancini? The new season of speculation could start again at any moment.
However, after being evaluated by the board of directors, Davide must reduce public disapproval by placing Messi in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores, which is the main planning scenario. If BR-2025 ends in the Group of Five, Botafogo will avoid four dates in the preliminary stages of the international tournament at the beginning of next year, provided that these obligations include the first rounds of the next Brazilian League. Not to mention the greater likelihood of Fujao later falling into a more complex category in the draw. This is the least Glorioso can do to minimize the effects of a season with some disruptions.
Technicians are facing aggressive cancellations
Botafogo still took the field three times before the break. Corinthians in São Paulo, Cruzeiro in Belo Horizonte, and Fortaleza in Rio de Janeiro. Ancelotinho’s work is starting to show signs of development. Nobody holds an undefeated streak randomly. In fact, did you know that in August David achieved his best performance of the SAF era? He was also not responsible for the team assembly and the gap in some sectors of the field. However, placing the Italian coach’s work in context, with its virtues and shortcomings, is the password to endless battles with the most extreme sections of the black and white public, whose only goal is to demonize a sixth-rate work, with positive aspects, yes!
In 2025, in only the sixth match, Shia tried to destroy the work of the coach who left the club with a success rate of 92.5% as a local team. Renato Paiva was an easy target for fundamentalists. In 2023, the Radicals went all out against Luis Castro due to the team’s strong Carioca Championship campaign. Months later, despite the obvious sarcasm in his statements, the coach remembered those “courtesies” by choosing the vile metal represented by oil dollars from the Persian Gulf at the expense of the Brazilian title for the more traditional team. On both occasions, the Portuguese were not subjected to specific criticism. Radicals led brutal abolition campaigns.
Understand why Davide-2026 is not a bad idea
David Ancelotti eventually staying on and continuing his job could mean good news in the short term. After all, the coach will not be a newcomer as of January 2026, will know how to point out the team’s shortcomings, and will map the market with… searchlightYou will have a pre-season preparation period to set the clock and, above all, a month of rest, reflection and self-criticism. Moreover, if he chooses to change, with a tight schedule, John Textor will not have much time to conduct screening and interviews before the official announcement. It would not be a good idea to start such an important year with a temporary period.
*This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Jogada10
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