Filipe Luis: ‘I will make decisions that will upset some players’

Newly appointed Flamengo manager Filipe Luis said Tuesday that he is prepared to make “tough decisions” as he completes the transition from player to coach.

The 39-year-old faced the media for the first time since agreeing to take charge of his former club on a deal that runs until the end of 2025.

“There are pros and cons,” said the ex-Atletico Madrid and Chelsea defender, who ended his 20-year playing career with Flamengo in 2023.

“The biggest pro is that I know this group like no one else. I know the leadership and what happens. I was part of this group for five years. I think only three or four players arrived after I retired, so I know them all.

“I know that I will make decisions that will upset some players and that some of them will be angry with me. But it is not about Filipe Luis, the person. It is about Filipe Luis, the coach. It is important to separate them.”

Filipe replaces former Brazil national team boss Tite, who was sacked on Monday, less than a week after Flamengo were knocked out of t
he Copa Libertadores by Uruguay’s Penarol in the quarterfinals.

His first game in charge will be the Copa do Brasil semifinal first leg against Corinthians at the Maracana stadium on Wednesday.

“I’m happy to take on a challenge that may seem big because of the pressure associated with Flamengo,” said Filipe, who completed his coaching badges in May. “But for me, it is a privilege because it allows me to lead the best team in America at this moment.”

Flamengo is currently fourth in the 20-team Brazilian Serie A standings, nine points behind leader Botafogo with ten games remaining in the season.

Source: The Namibia News Agency