Cruz Azul could find itself in serious trouble at the start of the Clausura 2026 tournament if the supposed interest from Botafogo, recently under According to reports from the Brazilian newspaper O Globo, former Cruz Azul coach Martin Anselmi has requested the signings of Colombian Willer Ditta and Argentine Carlos Rodolfo Rotondi. Anselmi reportedly requested the signings of Ditta and Rotondi, whom he coached with great success at Cruz Azul, reaching the final of the 2024 Clausura tournament, where they lost to America. Anselmi was a fan favorite during his two stints with the Cementeros, leading them to the playoffs twice. However, he later became public enemy number one after leaving Mexican football for an offer from FC Porto in Portugal, leaving a terrible impression in Mexican soccer and subsequently suffering a major failure in Portugal. Now, after his experience in Portugal, Anselmi will coach Botafogo, and for this project, he has supposedly requested the signing of these two star players. Cruz Azul in order to assemble a competitive squad for the three-time Brasileirao champions. According to the Brazilian newspaper, Anselmi is looking to repeat his tactical formation of three defenders and two wing-backs, but so far the names of the two Cruz Azul players are on a list being considered by the controversial Argentine coach. Both players were fundamental to Anselmi's lineup, but above all, key pieces in his tactical approach of taking risks in defense, playing out from the back, and constantly attacking down the wings. O Gobo also highlighted that Anselmi arrives hungry for revenge and to prove that his time with FC Porto was just a fluke and that he has what it takes to regain prominence as one of the leading coaches in Argentine football. Regarding the alleged requests of the Cruz Azul players...Anselmi clarified in a press conference that he is happy with his new squad, assuring that with the players he already has he can compete satisfactorily in the three upcoming tournaments (Libertadores, Brasileirao and the Copa do Brasil). Cruz Azul has valued both players at amounts exceeding six million dollars, which, according to the South American market, will be difficult to compete with, making it seem very unlikely that both transfers will be completed, especially after Tigres' failed attempt to sign Rotondi.