Leonardo Jardim contacted Filipe Luís before taking Flamengo job, says response was mature | OneFootball

Leonardo Jardim said he phoned Filipe Luís before accepting the Flamengo job and described their exchange as mature. According to Globo.com, before Jardim’s unveiling on Thursday at Ninho do Urubu, director José Boto addressed the controversy around Filipe’s dismissal.

Jardim explained he reached out as soon as the invitation arrived, stressing he had no role in the decision to remove his predecessor and that their relationship, from his side, remained unchanged. He said Filipe replied in kind and indicated they could meet when in Rio.

The new head coach added that he briefed the squad about Filipe, noting he understands a coach’s reality, having been dismissed himself and then welcomed successors. He felt Filipe’s reply showed maturity and that their bond from last year stands.

Filipe was informed via a brief contact at the Maracanã after his post-match press conference following the 8-0 win over Madureira, a move that heightened internal resistance to Boto. The director, central to Filipe’s renewal late last year, had recently distanced himself in the background.

Unable to say goodbye at the stadium, Filipe went to Ninho do Urubu the next day to collect belongings and speak to players and staff, becoming emotional as he wished them well. Though surprised by the timing, he had considered an exit possible amid outside pressure and internal drift, and, aware of the board’s preference for Jardim, he said his affection for Flamengo and its supporters endures and that criticism helped make him better, calling his time there the best years of his life.

Source: Globo.com