Francesco Farioli unveiled as new FC Porto head coach
Farioli replaces Martín Anselmi, who was dismissed just six months into a contract set to run until 2027.
FC Porto has officially appointed Francesco Farioli as its new head coach, replacing Argentine Martín Anselmi.
The 36-year-old Italian, who coached Ajax last season, signed a two-year deal with the Portuguese giants, which includes a €15 million release clause.
He was formally introduced on Monday at the Estádio do Dragão.
“Thank you for the responsibility entrusted to me. For us, it's a privilege to be here,” Farioli said during his unveiling.
“FC Porto is an iconic institution in both Portuguese and European football.”
Farioli emphasized values such as “mentality” and “ambition”, pledging to bring a winning culture back to the club.
“I know what it takes to win and be competitive,” he declared. The coach said he had already studied the squad and, while keeping an open mind, has a “clear idea” of which positions need strengthening.
A New Era Under Villas-Boas
Club president André Villas-Boas, who took office earlier this year, praised Farioli’s “vision,” “enthusiasm,” and “explosive trajectory,” calling him the right man to lead FC Porto into a new chapter.
Farioli is the third manager appointed since Villas-Boas became president, following Martín Anselmi and interim coach Vítor Bruno.
“We discussed the structural changes that lie ahead,” Villas-Boas said. “What convinced us was his sense of the high standards required at FC Porto.”
The club president also hinted at a major shift in transfer strategy, saying the club now has the financial tools to invest more aggressively.
“We now have the flexibility to amortize investments over the long term. This may become the biggest transfer window in the club’s history.”
Anselmi’s Abrupt Exit
Farioli replaces Martín Anselmi, who was dismissed just six months into a contract set to run until 2027.
His tenure came to a sudden end after FC Porto’s early exit from the Club World Cup in the United States, where the team failed to advance past the group stage.
Once considered a long-term project, Anselmi’s regime was undermined by poor results: a 0-0 draw with Palmeiras, a 2-1 loss to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami (featuring a standout free-kick goal), and a chaotic 4-4 draw against Al-Ahly.
With just two points, Porto exited the tournament early, despite being favorites in Group A.
Domestically, things didn’t improve.
The club finished the season without a single title and failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, a further blow to Anselmi’s credibility. His final record stood at 10 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses in 21 matches.
Once hailed for his promise, Anselmi’s European adventure has ended abruptly, with questions lingering over whether it was a case of bad timing—or a bad fit.
Farioli now takes on the challenge of restoring FC Porto’s competitiveness at home and in Europe.