Italian coach Davide Ancelotti took over from Botafogo in seventh place in the Brasileirão in July this year. He finished the championship in sixth place after beating Fortaleza, 4-2, this Sunday, at Nilton Santos. They have at least earned their place in the pre-Libertadores – they could advance directly to the group stage depending on the Copa do Brasil champion. It may not seem like much, but the coach identifies signs of improvement and is looking ahead to a better 2026.
It is undeniable that deep down, 2025 leaves a slightly bitter taste for blacks and whites. After the spectacular 2024 season with the Libertadores and Brasileirão titles and the tasty victory against PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup in the middle of this year, more was expected from Botafogo. However, the changed squad, the replacements who were not always up to par and the difficulty of giving the team an identity left the disputes for the title on the way.
Davide acknowledges the difficult season, but thanks the players for their commitment. And stick to the numbers. Botafogo finished the Brasileirão with a 10-match unbeaten run: five wins and five draws.
— I’m happy, I see a collective improvement, an individual improvement over the last 10 matches. Of course the club is very ambitious, they wanted to fight for the title. I took seventh place on the table and with a lot of loads. Everyone wanted more. It could have been a better season, the low point of the season was leaving the Copa do Brasil without losing. I’m excited for next year because we have good things here — Davide said.
During Sunday’s match, which had high stakes for both teams, Botafogo showed resilience. They came from behind, regained control of the midfield and equalized in first-half stoppage time. The break was good for the team who came back with a different attitude. This turned the situation around in less than five minutes. And he made the third one shortly after.
But he managed to overcome another setback. He scored the third goal, which was disallowed. The VAR identified a Marçal penalty as the cause of the play. What would have been a calm 3-1 turned into 2-2.
It is this ability to resolve complex situations that Davide is proud of.
— We are ambitious, I am not satisfied. I see improvement in the last 10 games, we are more competitive, we are turning things around, something we haven’t done before. We take mental hits that we know how to correct and never stop competing. We have a lot of things to improve. I also need to improve some things, I needed this experience of adaptation to the Brazilian Championship. It will be a better year for Botafogo, I am convinced — he said at the press conference.
Davide has a contract until next year. But, internally, the board has not yet decided whether it will continue with the coach. Indeed, there is an agreement for him to be released to join the technical committee of the Brazilian team alongside his father, Carlo Ancelotti. He would come as a guest, without a contract with the CBF. To do this, he would have to give up a month of work at Botafogo in high season.
— I don’t have a contract with the CBF, but there is the possibility of going to the World Cup. We need to see what happens next year, he said, ensuring he was involved in planning for next year. — We share information, we know that we need to strengthen.
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