The landscape of modern football coaching has undergone a significant transformation, characterized by the rapid globalization of tactical concepts and the emergence of managers who prioritize systemic flexibility over rigid formations. Among the proponents of this modern school, the tactical framework associated with Martín Anselmi offers a compelling case study on how positional play (Juego de Posición) adapts to diverse footballing cultures across South America, North America, and Europe. By analyzing the structural shifts from the successful stint in Ecuador to the high-pressure environments of Mexico, Portugal, and Brazil, one can discern the core principles that define this specific managerial methodology.

The foundational principles of the Independiente del Valle era

The tactical identity associated with Martín Anselmi reached its first peak of international recognition during the tenure at Independiente del Valle. This period was marked by a sophisticated implementation of positional play, which served as the cornerstone for multiple continental titles. The primary objective within this system was the creation of numerical superiorities in key areas of the pitch, particularly during the initial phases of the build-up.

At Independiente del Valle, the system frequently utilized a three-back structure (3-4-2-1 or 3-4-3). The central defenders were tasked with not just circulating the ball, but actively provoking the first line of the opponent's press. By carrying the ball forward (conducción), the defenders forced opposing midfielders to vacate their positions, thereby opening passing lanes to the interior playmakers. The role of the wing-backs was crucial; they provided maximum width, stretching the opposition's horizontal lines and creating space in the "half-spaces" for creative players to operate.

One of the defining characteristics of this phase was the emphasis on the 'third man' principle. The team looked to find a free player through a series of short, rhythmic passes that drew the defense toward the ball, only to quickly switch the point of attack or penetrate through a central combination. This methodology required players with high technical proficiency and, more importantly, a deep understanding of spatial awareness. The success in the Copa Sudamericana and Recopa Sudamericana during 2022 and 2023 demonstrated that a proactive, possession-based approach could yield high defensive stability if the rest-defense (vigilancia) was properly organized.

Adaptation and structural balance in Liga MX

Transitioning to Mexican football with Cruz Azul presented a different set of challenges. Liga MX is known for its physical intensity, rapid transitions, and varied altitude conditions, which often punish teams that over-commit in possession without sufficient cover. The tactical approach seen during the 2024 campaign reflected a conscious evolution toward a more balanced, yet still dominant, framework.

In Mexico, the system often shifted between a back four and a back three depending on the opponent’s pressing trigger. The introduction of a more hybrid role for the midfielders allowed the team to maintain control while being better prepared for defensive transitions. The statistics from the Clausura 2024 season highlighted a significant increase in ball recovery high up the pitch (high press), but with a more conservative positioning of the full-backs when the team entered the final third.

This period also emphasized the tactical versatility of the forward line. Instead of a traditional stationary striker, the system utilized mobile attackers who could drop deep to create a diamond in the midfield or drift wide to facilitate underlapping runs from the interior midfielders. This fluidity made the team difficult to mark in man-to-man situations. The progression to the final that season was built on the efficiency of the build-up play, which ranked among the highest in the league for successful passes into the opposition box. The tactical maturity shown in Mexico was a testament to the ability of the system to survive and thrive in a league characterized by high tactical unpredictability.

The European experience and the Porto tactical friction

The move to FC Porto in early 2025 marked a significant attempt to export these South American-refined concepts to the European elite. The Primeira Liga and the subsequent participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup provided a platform to test the limits of positional play against top-tier global opposition. However, this period also revealed the inherent frictions that occur when a highly structured system meets the directness and tactical discipline of European football.

At Porto, the attempt was made to maintain the high-possession model. However, European opponents proved to be more adept at neutralizing the 'Salida Lavolpiana' (the build-up involving the goalkeeper and the dropping pivot). The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup matches, particularly the encounters against high-tempo teams, exposed vulnerabilities in the transition phase. While the team maintained high percentages of ball possession—often exceeding 60%—the conversion of that possession into high-quality scoring opportunities (Expected Goals) faced resistance from compact, well-drilled defensive blocks.

Data from this period suggests that while the technical execution remained high, the physical demands of playing a high line in Europe required a different profile of central defender—one with exceptional recovery speed. The brief tenure in Portugal underscored an important lesson in tactical evolution: the theoretical purity of positional play often requires pragmatic adjustments when facing teams that excel in clinical counter-attacking. Despite the challenges, the experience added a layer of tactical complexity to the methodology, specifically regarding the speed of ball circulation in the final third.

The Brazilian context and the Botafogo experiment

Returning to South America to lead Botafogo in late 2025 and early 2026 brought the tactical journey full circle, but with a more seasoned perspective. The Brazilian Serie A is arguably the most demanding league in terms of fixture congestion and the sheer individual quality of attackers. In this environment, the tactical setup focused on an even more aggressive pressing scheme.

During the early months of 2026, the team exhibited a 4-2-3-1 formation that functioned more like a 2-3-5 in the offensive phase. The emphasis was on 'counter-pressing' (Gegenpressing). The moment the ball was lost, the nearest three players were instructed to converge on the ball carrier within three seconds. This was designed to prevent the long balls that often characterize Brazilian transitions.

The tactical reports from this period show a team that was highly vertical. Unlike the more patient build-up seen in Ecuador, the Botafogo version of the system looked to exploit the wings with inverted wingers who could shoot from distance. The statistical output in the Campeonato Carioca and the start of the national league reflected a high volume of shots, though defensive consistency remained a work in progress due to the high-risk nature of the defensive line. The conclusion of the tenure in March 2026 signaled a period of reflection for this tactical brand, as the demands of the Brazilian calendar and the high turnover of players necessitated a more robust approach to squad rotation and physical peaking.

Technical breakdown: The core components of the system

To understand the tactical influence of Martín Anselmi, one must deconstruct the system into its functional components. These elements remain consistent regardless of the club or the league, acting as the DNA of the coaching philosophy.

1. Build-up from the back and the Goalkeeper's role

The goalkeeper is not merely a shot-stopper but the primary playmaker. The system demands a keeper who is comfortable under pressure, often acting as a 'sweeper-keeper' to provide an extra passing option. This creates an 11v10 advantage in the build-up phase, making it mathematically difficult for the opposition to execute a perfect man-to-man press.

2. The Interior Overload

A recurring theme is the use of 'interiors' (attacking midfielders) who occupy the spaces between the opponent's midfield and defensive lines. By positioning these players in the pockets of space, the system forces opposing center-backs to make a decision: step out and leave space behind, or stay deep and allow the interior player to turn and face the goal. This 'indecision' is what the system seeks to exploit.

3. Asymmetric Wing Play

The system rarely uses two identical wingers. Often, one side is used for maximum width (a traditional winger or an attacking wing-back), while the other side features a player who drifts inside to become an extra midfielder. This asymmetry creates defensive imbalances for the opposition, as they cannot use the same defensive triggers on both flanks.

4. Psychological and Informational Preparation

A unique aspect of this managerial approach, perhaps influenced by a background in journalism, is the heavy emphasis on communication and video analysis. Players are provided with detailed tactical dossiers and video clips tailored to their specific roles. This pedagogical approach ensures that every player understands not only their position but the collective intent of the team at any given moment.

The future of the Argentine coaching school

The tactical evolution observed in the career of Martín Anselmi up to 2026 reflects a broader trend in Argentine coaching. Following the lineages of Marcelo Bielsa and the tactical innovations of the 2010s, this new generation of managers is moving toward a more pragmatic application of high-concept football. They are becoming more adaptable, learning to blend the aesthetic requirements of positional play with the physical and cultural realities of different global leagues.

As of April 2026, the tactical methodology developed through these diverse experiences stands as a significant contribution to modern football. The ability to win titles in Ecuador, compete at the highest level in Mexico, and test theories in Europe and Brazil provides a rich blueprint for future tactical development. The core challenge remains the balance between tactical idealism and the immediate results demanded by the modern game, a tension that continues to drive the evolution of footballing strategies globally.

In conclusion, the study of these tactical systems reveals a commitment to a proactive and intelligent brand of football. While the specific formations may change—from a 3-4-3 in the Andean heights to a 4-2-3-1 on the Brazilian coast—the underlying principles of space, time, and numerical superiority remain the guiding lights. As the global game becomes even more interconnected, the influence of such detailed and adaptable tactical frameworks will likely continue to grow, shaping how teams approach the beautiful game in the years to come.