Copa Libertadores-winning coach Filipe Luis sacked by Flamengo hours after 8-0 win

Filipe Luis has been sacked as head coach of Flamengo three months after leading them to the Copa Libertadores title and hours after an 8-0 win in the Campeonato Carioca.

The former Brazil full-back, who signed a two-year contract extension in December, is widely regarded as one of the best young coaches in world football but his hugely successful 17-month spell at the Rio de Janeiro giants is now over.

Having succeeded former Brazil coach Tite in September 2024, he guided them to the Libertadores and Serie A double. His stock fell, however, following a Copa do Brasil loss to Corinthians and defeat in both legs of the Recopa Sudamericana against Lanus.

Flamengo hammered fourth-tier side Madureira to reach the final of the Campeonato Carioca on Monday night but that was not enough and the axe fell shortly after.

A club statement read: “Flamengo announced that, as of this Tuesday (March 3), Filipe Luís will not continue in charge of the professional team. With him, Ivan Palanco (technical assistant) and Diogo Linhares (physical trainer) also leave the club.

“Flamengo thanks former player and coach Filipe Luís for everything that was achieved and shared on this journey. The club wishes success and good luck in the rest of his professional career.”

Flamengo make announcement after press conference

Flamengo even allowed Filipe Luis to conduct his post-match press conference before telling him he had been dismissed.

The 40-year-old had come under fire from fans during the game and he expressed understanding for their irritation.

He said: “I understand [the fans] perfectly. I always like to remember that I wore the Flamengo shirt when I was little, I’m a Flamengo fan just like them. When I put myself in the position of player first, it’s a life choice, I knew the pressure it comes with.

“As a coach, from the moment I wanted to start here and the club opened the doors to me, I knew it was what I wanted. I knew that the fans believed in me, gave me a lot of confidence, convinced the board to leave me in office.

“I don’t have this profile of shouting but I have respect for the badge.”

Filipe Luis makes an attractive proposition for many European clubs, particularly those in Spain due to his two spells with Atletico Madrid either side of a short stint at Chelsea.