BAP on Filipe Luís’ new deal, cites Klopp for Flamengo’s future | OneFootball

Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as BAP, president of Flamengo, detailed in an interview with the Spanish newspaper AS the behind-the-scenes of Filipe Luís’s contract renewal, the club’s new investment level, and the reason why he mentions Jurgen Klopp when discussing the future head coach of the red-and-black team.

Renewal with Filipe Luís

According to BAP, Filipe Luís’s continuity was achieved through alignments and complex negotiations. He stated there was mutual interest between the coach and Flamengo for this to happen. “The renewal involved a series of aspects, but the main thing is that we wanted to stay together. I wanted to continue with Filipe, and Filipe wanted to continue at Flamengo.”

Despite this, the president acknowledged that the coach may not envision a long-term future at the club. “Filipe isn’t thinking about Flamengo ten years from now. His career may continue at Flamengo, but it may also not.” he commented.

During the talks, BAP emphasized that he always defended the club’s interests and that the adjustments and delays were expected and did not represent a crisis between the parties. “I don’t want to marry someone who will ask me for a divorce in six months. My goal, my vision, in the long term will always be Flamengo.”

Paquetá symbolizes a “new era” at Flamengo

Commenting on recent market moves, such as the signing of Lucas Paquetá, the president highlighted the club’s leap in financial capacity. “Six months ago, the South American press was surprised by the signing of Samuel Lino for 22 million euros, and six months later we’re bringing in Lucas Paquetá for 42 million euros.”

“Paquetá had three or four offers… he made a personal decision. Every choice involves giving something up. It wasn’t a simple transaction… but West Ham was very correct and straightforward.” he added.

Klopp at Fla?

When projecting the future of the coaching staff, the president stated that Flamengo has reached a level to think beyond Brazilian borders. “If I can bring in Lucas Paquetá, why couldn’t I bring in Klopp? Why couldn’t I bring in another coach?”

Even so, BAP stressed that the decision also depends on European professionals. “Just as Filipe can say no to a European club, a European coach can also say he doesn’t want to leave Europe to come to Flamengo.”

Distant dream

Despite Vinícius Júnior’s connection with the club, BAP acknowledged that his return, at least for now, is not feasible. “Vinicius wants to stay in Europe… it’s not a possibility for Flamengo. Not yet.”

“There’s a big difference between the moment in Lucas Paquetá’s life and that of Vinícius Júnior. Paquetá has someone waiting for him at home every day, he has a family. Vini doesn’t have anyone waiting for him at home, they’re at different stages.” he added.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.