Filipe Luís snaps at journalist in Flamengo press conference

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·23 October 2025

Filipe Luís snaps at journalist in Flamengo press conference

Filipe Luís did not like hearing criticism about Flamengo’s performance in the first half against Racing (ARG)

The first half between Flamengo and Racing (ARG), in the first leg of the Libertadores semifinal, was surprising due to the offensive posture and high pressing from the Argentine team, which left Mengão struggling at Maracanã. After the 1-0 victory, Filipe Luís was questioned about the team’s performance in the first half and became irritated.

This happened because the journalist used the expression “very bad” when analyzing Flamengo’s first half in her question to Filipe Luís. The coach then listed the team’s qualities in the first half and responded firmly during the press conference.

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WHAT DID FILIPE LUÍS SAY?

A very bad game in the first half? Maybe according to your expectations, your eyes. According to what I expected, I was expecting a very tough opponent. They eliminated every team that came their way, it’s a Libertadores semifinal. What did Racing do for the first half to have been so bad? The expectation that Flamengo would have 20 shots on goal and be winning 4-0 might lead you to think it was very bad, but I didn’t see it that way. Our team built all our attacks with patience,” said Filipe Luís.

— We dominated very well and tried to shut down their main strength, which is those balls in behind, especially for their striker, who is a very interesting player. Coming off 48 hours, something I specifically asked for was for the Palmeiras game to be on Saturday, so we’d have four days for this Libertadores match. There were less than 72 hours between the Palmeiras match, which was extremely demanding mentally, and this Libertadores game, which until now was the most important of the year. I’m proud of all the effort my players put in and the victory is very well-deserved -, he added.

WAS IT REALLY THAT BAD?

Despite the pressure imposed by Racing, Flamengo created chances in the first half, including a shot off the post by Arrascaeta. The numbers from the first 45 minutes reinforce Filipe Luís’ position: 72% possession, 8 to 4 in shots, and 2 to 0 in big chances created. However, the goal only came at the end of the second half, with Carrascal.

WHAT ARE FLAMENGO’S NEXT GAMES?

Now, Flamengo only needs a draw to reach the Libertadores final. The second leg against Racing takes place on Wednesday (29th), at the Cilindro de Avellaneda, starting at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time). Before that, however, the Rubro-Negro turns its attention to the Brasileirão. On Saturday (25th), the challenge will be against Fortaleza, at Castelão.

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