Filipe Luis Secures First Managerial Title with Flamengo

Filipe Luis, the former Chelsea full-back, has achieved his first managerial trophy, the Copa do Brasil, approximately 40 days after being appointed Flamengo’s permanent manager. Flamengo defeated Atletico Mineiro 1-0 in the second leg of the Copa do Brasil on Sunday, securing a 4-1 aggregate victory in the competition, which is Brazil’s equivalent of the FA Cup. Luis, aged 39, initially took on the role of interim manager on 30 September, following the dismissal of former Brazil coach Tite. His appointment was then made permanent the very next day. The former full-back accumulated 333 appearances across two stints with Atletico Madrid. This was interspersed with a period during the 2014-15 season at Chelsea, where he contributed to the Blues’ triumphs in the Premier League and EFL Cup. He joined the prominent Brazilian club Flamengo in 2019 and concluded his playing career in December 2023, having secured two Copa Libertadores titles and two Brasileiro Serie A titles with the team. In January, Luis began his coaching career by managing the club’s under-17s team, subsequently advancing to the under-20s, with whom he claimed the Under-20 Intercontinental Cup in August. Following Sunday’s win, Luis, who has a record of six victories from eight games as manager, characterized Flamengo as “the best squad in South America” that possesses the ability to “compete with some teams in Europe”. Flamengo currently occupies fifth position in the Brasileiro Serie A table, trailing leaders Botafogo by 10 points, with one game in-hand and six matches remaining in the season.