The 2011–12 season was Anzhi Makhachkala's 2nd successive season in the highest tier of football in Russia, which they finished in 5th place, qualifying for the second qualifying round of the 2012–13 UEFA Europa League.

Anzhi also competed in the Russian Cup where they were knocked out by Dynamo Moscow in the Round of 16.

On 27 December 2011, Yuri Krasnozhan was appointed as Anzhi's new manager, on a five-year contract.

[1] However, on 13 February 2012, Krasnozhan resigned as manager of Anzhi, with Andrei Gordeyev and Roberto Carlos being placed in temporary charge again.

[2] On 17 February, Guus Hiddink was announced as Anzhi's third manager of the season.