Argentine strategist Martin Anselmi spoke again about two of the most talked-about episodes of his recent career: his sudden departure from Cruz Azul at the start of the 2025 Clausura and his brief experience in charge of Porto. In a chat with journalist Juan Pablo Vark for the Clank podcast, the coach offered his version of what happened, defended his decisions and made it clear that he is still carrying wounds from his time in Mexico.

"My coaching staff and I needed a break. It was necessary to be off work for a bit to deconstruct ourselves, gain freshness and clarity. "I was already feeling pretty exhausted," he confessed about his departure from the Portuguese team.

Anselmi assured that after his dismissal in Portugal he sought to reconnect with his personal environment: "I want to enjoy my parents, my friends, have the weekends to myself."

Cruz Azul was my first great love

The coach did not hide the emotional burden that his time with La Maquina means. "What does Cruz Azul mean in my life? It's that first girlfriend you fell madly in love with... It causes wounds that will stay with you for the rest of your life. "I have some of those wounds that haven't healed yet," he admitted.

His departure from the cement-making institution, which occurred shortly after playing in the Liguilla, continues to be a source of controversy. At the time, Anselmi accepted Porto's offer, a decision that surprised both the fans and part of the squad and caused friction with the board over the termination clause.

"I don't think I was unfaithful to him. What the fans feel is that I was unfaithful to him, and things didn't turn out that way. We weren't very comfortable at the club with certain situations... combined with the fact that an offer from Porto arrived." It was a challenge we had to say yes to, he explained. He also acknowledged that he knew that he knew the fans wouldn't understand if we abandoned the project. The coach revealed that his family wanted to stay in Mexico. a country he spoke of with affection: "I was very happy in Mexico. It's a wonderful country to live in, the people are super polite."