For the past five years, Flamengo, one of Brazil’s most beloved football clubs, has struggled under the weight of their past successes. That trend changed when Filipe Luis, a former full-back for Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, took the reins as manager and lifted the club’s spirits. What’s his secret to breaking this prolonged curse?
The club’s ghost is none other than Jorge Jesus. In 2019, the Portuguese tactician orchestrated one of the finest seasons in Flamengo’s history, leaving fans yearning for his return after each unremarkable match since his departure.
Since Jesus’ exit in 2020, a string of coaches have tried their luck at management, but none have remained for long, even after achieving significant victories.
Coaching Carousel
Since 2020, Flamengo has seen a revolving door of eight prominent coaches, including two who’ve led their respective national teams at the FIFA World Cup and another from the English Premier League.
The first to go was Domenec Torrent in 2020, a former assistant to Pep Guardiola.
Following him were Rogerio Ceni (2020/2021), Renato Gaucho (2021), Paulo Sousa (2022), Dorival Junior (2022), Vitor Pereira (2023), Jorge Sampaoli (2023), and most recently Tite (2023/2024), who managed the Brazilian national team during the last two World Cups.
Swift and Efficient Evolution
After hanging up his boots with Flamengo in December 2023, Filipe Luis wasted no time starting his coaching journey with the U17 team just a month later. By June 2024, he ascended to the U20 squad and quickly earned his first silverware, clinching the Intercontinental Cup with a thrilling 2-1 win over Olympiacos at the Maracanã.
In September 2024, after Tite’s departure, Luis took charge of the first team on an interim basis, and within a day, he was confirmed as the full-time manager.
From the outset, in October 2024, his Flamengo side triumphed over Corinthians in the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil.
More Titles than Losses
In under six months as manager, the former Chelsea star has lifted three trophies:
- Copa do Brasil 2024: Beat Atletico-MG with an aggregate score of 4-1 in the final.
- Supercopa do Brasil 2025: 3-1 victory against Botafogo, the defending Libertadores champions.
- Campeonato Carioca 2025: A state title win over local rivals Fluminense with a 2-1 aggregate score.
With only 32 matches in his coaching career, he boasts an impressive record of 23 wins, seven draws, and just two losses—outpacing his trophy count with fewer defeats.
His winning ratio of 79.17% mirrors that of Jorge Jesus (79% across 62 matches).
As the Brasileirão season began in late March, Luis’s side grabbed an early lead in the league after four rounds, having earned 10 points, netting 11 goals while conceding only two.
The ‘Fla’ currently sits ahead of Palmeiras, who have maintained dominance since Jesus’ departure from Rio.
The Magic of Filipismo
Flamengo sought a coach who could not only mirror Jorge Jesus’ achievements but also replicate his attractive, high-octane style of football.
Filipe Luis has risen to the occasion. His extensive European experience, coupled with his previous stints as a player and youth coach at the club, has equipped him to escape the shadows cast by Jesus.
His ability to connect with the club’s star players has also played a pivotal role in his swift ascent to success.
“I’m a straightforward person. In football, the only way is to win. That’s a philosophy I sprang from (former coach) Luis Aragones, and it resonates with me,” he shared with FIFA’s website.
“I’ve been inspired by managers like Simeone and Jorge (Jesus), both of whom paved the way for my coaching career,” he added.
On the pitch, Filipe Luis has infused his side with a flexible playing style, often fielding them in a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-4-2 formation, showcasing a fluid attacking approach.
His attack transitions efficiently, often involving Uruguayan midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta, who has returned to form after his injury. Depending on the game’s demands, Luis has tactically adapted his strategies to deploy a 3-4-3 formation as well.
Flamengo maintains a rapid style of play, presses high, controls the midfield, and boasts remarkable efficiency on the flanks.
Aiming for the Club World Cup
With a contract running until the end of 2025, the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup will be Filipe Luis’s first significant challenge at the helm.
Check out Flamengo’s roster for the Club World Cup
Having demonstrated a superior performance compared to Tite, Sampaoli, and Vitor Pereira, Flamengo can now face European giants and their haunting past without fear.
There’s a saying in Rio that “Flamengo produces stars from within”—a nod to talents like Vinicius Junior, Adriano, and Zico, all nurtured by the club’s youth academy.
Filipe Luis has proven that the ideal solution to lead Flamengo was also from within the club.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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