The first solo head coach role for Davide Ancelotti, son of legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti, has come to a sudden and mysterious end at Brazilian Serie A side Botafogo. The 36-year-old, who had been in the post for just a few months, has left the club amid reports of internal disagreements and questions over his methods.
A Sudden Departure Amidst Speculation
Botafogo confirmed Davide Ancelotti's exit via a brief social media statement on Wednesday. The club announced that Davide Ancelotti is no longer the coach of the main team, a decision made following meetings that day. His departure was part of a wider clear-out, with physical trainer Luca Guerra and assistants Luis Tevenet and Andrew Mangan also leaving.
The club's statement thanked Ancelotti for his "professionalism and commitment" but notably did not clarify if the decision was mutual, fuelling speculation of a behind-the-scenes rift. Reports from Brazil suggest a key point of contention was the sacking of fitness coach Luca Guerra, a staff member Davide reportedly considered "indispensable" to his setup.
Mixed Results and Raised Eyebrows
Ancelotti's brief tenure yielded a record of 15 wins, 10 draws, and 8 defeats. While not disastrous, it was insufficient to secure a top-five finish in the Brazilian Serie A, meaning Botafogo missed out on automatic qualification for the prestigious CONMEBOL Libertadores group stage.
Further reports indicated that Ancelotti's training methods and his management of the squad schedule against a busy fixture list had caused some concern within the club hierarchy. Botafogo's majority shareholder is American businessman John Textor, whose Eagle Football Holdings also owns Lyon and RWDM Brussels.
What Next for the Ancelotti Dynasty?
Prior to his Botafogo appointment, Davide Ancelotti was viewed as one of Europe's intriguing young coaching prospects, even being linked with the vacancy at Rangers. Having served as his father's assistant at elite clubs like Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and Real Madrid, this was his chance to forge his own path.
His immediate future, however, remains tied to Brazil. He continues in his role as assistant to his father, Carlo, who is the head coach of the Brazilian national team. The senior Ancelotti, who took over the Selecao last summer, has already begun discussions to extend his initial contract beyond 2026.
For now, Davide Ancelotti's first venture as the main man ends prematurely, leaving questions about when and where he will get his next opportunity to lead from the front.
