"Only a fool says no": Melo denies talks, tells Fluminense: "I'm ready"

In partnership with

Saudações Tricolores.com

·14 August 2026

"Only a fool says no": Melo denies talks, tells Fluminense: "I'm ready"

On a live stream on his own channel, former player responds to fans’ calls after Zubeldía’s dismissal, denies he is ‘angling’ for the job and says he would accept the challenge of managing the club

Amid the uncertainty over who will be Fluminense’s new coach after Argentine Luis Zubeldía was dismissed this Thursday, the club’s former player, Felipe Melo, used a live broadcast on his YouTube channel to clear up the rumors.

OneFootball Videos

The former defensive midfielder categorically denied that he had been approached by any member of the club’s board. However, when commenting on the campaigns and requests from Fluminense fans on social media for him to take charge of the team, Felipe Melo did not hide his pride and said confidently that he feels ready for the role.

“I’m no coward, and I’m ready”

Although he had previously said that he intended to start his coaching career outside the country, Felipe Melo made it clear that he would not turn down an offer from a club of Fluminense’s stature:

“I want to make it very clear to you that I haven’t had any contact with anyone from Fluminense. No one from Fluminense. I’ll say it again: I haven’t had any contact with anyone from Fluminense. Now, you’re asking me... I’m not blind. I see the comments, and for me it’s a huge source of pride.”

“At one point I said I wouldn’t coach in Brazil, that I would start abroad. But let’s be real: if a club like Fluminense comes and wants to hire you... what are you going to say? That you won’t coach in Brazil? Only if you’re crazy, a coward, or not ready. I’m not crazy, I’m no coward, and I’m ready!”

Aware of how his remarks would be received, the former player anticipated the criticism that he was trying to force an opportunity with Fluminense:

“People are already going to take this clip and say, ‘Oh, he’s angling for it.’ I’m not angling for anything, I’m answering a question. That said, they haven’t called me, they haven’t contacted me. I only have gratitude for the Fluminense fans who have been asking for me to become the coach. It’s an enormous source of pride!”

For now, Fluminense remains in the market searching for a replacement for Zubeldía, while permanent assistant coach Marcão is leading the team on an interim basis.

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