Filipe Luís: Simeone disciple who revived faith in Brazilian coaches | OneFootball

In times of increasing prominence of foreign coaches in Brazil, Filipe Luís emerges as the great local hope, leading Flamengo into the final of the Copa Libertadores against Palmeiras coached by Abel Ferreira.

On Saturday, in Lima, he will seek to win the Libertadores for the first time as a coach, a tournament he won twice as a Flamengo player, in 2019 and 2022. His Mengão is also on the verge of claiming the Brasileirão crown after months of intense competition against Palmeiras.

“I’m happier than ever, doing what I love. The more pressure, the harder it gets, the more I enjoy my work,” commented the former 40-year-old player, after a 1-1 draw against Atlético-MG, a result that left Fla one step away from the national title.

Promising Start as a Coach

Although his coaching career is just beginning, Filipe Luís has stood out since taking charge of Flamengo in September last year, replacing former national team coach Tite. His only previous experiences had been with the club’s Under-17 and Under-20 teams, after ending his playing career in 2023.

The gamble was risky, but success has followed this disciple of Diego Simeone and Jorge Jesus. His first trophy as a coach, the Copa do Brasil, came just 41 days after being appointed. In 2024, he has already won the Supercopa do Brasil and the Campeonato Carioca.

“We Have Much to Learn”

The growing presence of foreign coaches has drawn criticism in Brazil, whose national team has won five World Cups with local coaches. Filipe Luís, however, values this openness.

“The best football is in Europe, with the best players, competitions, and coaches. We have much to learn,” he said when Carlo Ancelotti was chosen as the national team coach for the 2026 World Cup.

Despite the rivalry, Filipe Luís considers Abel Ferreira, two-time Libertadores champion with Palmeiras, as “the best coach in Brazilian football.” In the last six years, Jorge Jesus, Abel Ferreira (twice), and Artur Jorge have won four Brasileirão titles.

Photo: DAN MULLAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

Criticism of Foreigners

Recently, former goalkeeper Emerson Leão criticized the “invasion of foreigners” in Brazilian football during an event attended by Ancelotti. “I don’t like foreign coaches, but we have to admit that it’s our fault, due to the lack of preparation of local coaches,” said Leão. The president of the CBF, Samir Xaud, responded: “We will not allow xenophobia. We judge professionals by their competence.”

European School

Trained in the European school, Filipe Luís played for clubs such as Deportivo La Coruña, Atlético de Madrid, and Chelsea. His greatest influence was Diego Simeone, whom he considers “a father.”

“If I’m here, it’s because he inspired me. He changed my life,” said Filipe Luís, on the eve of the Libertadores final. If he wins, he will be the second Brazilian to win the Libertadores as both player and coach, joining Renato Gaúcho, champion with Grêmio in 1983 (player) and 2017 (coach). Uruguayans such as Luis Cubilla and Juan Martín Mujica, as well as Argentinians like Marcelo Gallardo, are also on the list of Libertadores champions in both roles.

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