Ex-Chelsea star sacked despite winning 8-0 and a trophy every 14 games

Filipe Luis has been sacked by Brazilian club Flamengo despite an 8-0 win on Monday.

Flamengo beat Madureira 11-0 on aggregate to book their place in the Campeonato Carioca final.

AFP

But the ex-Chelsea and Atletico Madrid defender will not be in the dugout.

Their season has been surrounded by criticism, however, due to defeats in the Brazilian Super Cup and Recopa Sudamericana.

An official club statement confirmed: “Clube de Regatas do Flamengo informs that, as of this Tuesday (3), Filipe Luís will no longer be in charge of the professional team. Ivan Palanco (assistant coach) and Diogo Linhares (physical trainer) are also leaving the club along with him.

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

Reports from Brazilian publication O’Globo say Luis was blindsided by the decision.

The news was communicated by director Jose Boto immediately after his press conference.

The players had already left the Maracana, so there was no farewell with his Flamengo players.

Tensions had been rising behind the scenes over Luis’ contract renewal.

He had signed a contract extension in December to take him through to 2027.

Filipe Luis’ record

The 40-year-old essentially completed football in Brazil over the two years he was there.

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Getty

He quickly made his way through the Flamengo ranks, managing the Under-17s and Under-20s before taking charge of the senior team.

Luis won the Copa Libertadores in 2025 as he scooped seven trophies in just 101 games for the club – working out at around a piece of silverware every 14 matches.

He was also named South American coach of the year in 2025.

What’s next for Luis?

Luis’ early exit from Flamengo was not expected, meaning one of the hottest rated young coaches is now on the market.

He has been tipped as a future Chelsea and Atletico Madrid manager.

Speaking before Flamengo lost the Intercontinental Cup to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties in December, South American football expert Tim Vickery said he is highly-rated across the globe.

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When asked if he has the credentials to manage Chelsea, Vickery said: “Most certainly. He’s a very intelligent young man. He’s only been doing it for just over a year.

“He’s already won everything there is to be won.

Luis won the Premier League during his single season with the Blues as a player, in between two spells with Atletico.

Vickery added: “Chelsea manager, perhaps, but I think there’s one before that and that’s Atletico Madrid, where he spent most of his career.

“There is a little bit, including in his monochromatic all-black garb on the touchline, there’s a little bit of Diego Simeone in him and so I think it’s likely to be Madrid before Chelsea.”

Diego Simeone’s current deal in the Spanish capital is set to expire at the end of next season.

Chelsea is unlikely at this stage having recently appointed Liam Rosenior to replace Enzo Maresca.