Francesco Farioli could potentially take up a new role in Portugal following his departure from Ajax. The Italian coach is being strongly linked as a candidate for FC Porto, which, according to local media, is on the verge of parting ways with Martín Anselmi.
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The Argentine coach Martín Anselmi, who only took over at FC Porto at the end of January and signed a contract running until mid-2027, already appears to be on the brink of departure.
Despite the initial optimism surrounding his appointment, his short tenure has been marred by a lack of convincing performances, culminating in a disappointing campaign at the FIFA Club World Cup. That result seems to have severely damaged the club’s confidence in his leadership, and local media suggest that Porto’s board is now actively exploring alternative options. Among the names emerging as serious candidates is Francesco Farioli.
The 36-year-old Italian coach, who recently parted ways with Ajax after a brief and challenging spell in Amsterdam, is now free to pursue new opportunities and FC Porto could offer him a swift return to top-level management. Portuguese outlets have been quick to report on the club’s growing interest in Farioli, describing him as one of the leading contenders. Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, a trusted source for transfer and managerial news, has gone a step further, stating that Farioli is currently the top target for the Porto bench.
The link between Porto and Farioli is not new. Back in December, following the dismissal of then-coach Vítor Bruno, Porto reportedly made an initial approach to gauge Farioli’s interest. At that point, he was still committed to the Ajax project and declined to engage in further talks. Now, however, with his departure from Ajax finalized, Farioli is open to the idea of a new challenge and this time, he may be more inclined to listen.
Farioli's profile fits the type of progressive, tactical-minded manager Porto might be seeking to usher in a new era under club president André Villas-Boas. Known for his modern approach to football and his emphasis on structured build-up play and high pressing, Farioli has built a growing reputation despite his relative youth. His previous stints at clubs like Alanyaspor and Fatih Karagümrük in Turkey, as well as OGC Nice in France, have showcased his ability to adapt and implement a clear footballing philosophy even in difficult circumstances.
Porto, meanwhile, finds itself in a state of prolonged instability. Since André Villas-Boas returned to the club this time as president rather than coach FC Porto has gone through a period of internal upheaval. His decision to part ways with long-time manager Sérgio Conceição, who had been at the helm since 2017 and led the club to multiple domestic trophies, marked the beginning of a new and somewhat chaotic phase. Conceição’s exit was followed by short-lived managerial appointments, with Anselmi now likely becoming the third coach to leave under Villas-Boas’s presidency in less than a year.
That instability has raised questions among fans and pundits about the strategic direction of the club. Villas-Boas, despite his own strong managerial pedigree, has faced criticism for failing to provide a clear and consistent vision from the boardroom. The search for a stable and innovative coach is therefore crucial not only for Porto’s ambitions on the pitch, but also for restoring credibility to the club’s management structure.
From Farioli’s perspective, the potential move could represent a major opportunity. FC Porto remains one of Portugal’s “Big Three” and is a regular presence in European competitions. The chance to manage a club with such pedigree, passionate supporters, and a tradition of nurturing talent would be an attractive proposition for any young coach especially one like Farioli, who appears eager to re-establish himself after a difficult period at Ajax. His agents have reportedly confirmed that the Italian is looking for a fresh start abroad, and Porto may now be the ideal landing spot.
Of course, the final decision will depend on a range of factors including financial terms, sporting guarantees, and Farioli’s own assessment of the project’s viability. But as things stand, the stars appear to be aligning for a possible union between one of Europe’s most historic clubs and one of its most intriguing young coaches.
Updated: 12:07, 27 Jun 2025
