SAO PAULO (AP) — protect south america And Brazilian champions Flamengo fired coach Filipe Luis on Tuesday, just hours after the team won 8-0 in the Rio de Janeiro league semifinals.
Just two months ago, Luis extended his contract with Flamengo until the end of 2027. This year, his team lost trophies to local rivals Corinthians in Brazil’s Super Cup and to Argentina’s Lanús in South America’s Recopa, but the team was poised to challenge for a major title again.
Despite defeating diminutive Madureira 8-0 and 11-0 on aggregate late Monday, fans booed the Flamengo team throughout the game. Since the beginning of this year, many have called for Lewis to be fired.
The 40-year-old former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea player joined Flamengo as a player in 2019 and will retire in 2023. He won 12 titles with the Rio de Janeiro club as a footballer and 5 titles as a coach.
“Flamengo would like to thank Filipe Luis for all his dedication and achievements in his coaching journey. We wish him every success in his career,” the club said on its social media channels.
Brazilian media reported that former Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim is considered to be the favorite to replace Luiz. The 51-year-old Portuguese led Brazilian side Cruzeiro to third place in the latest Brazilian league.
Flamengo recently signed MF Lucas Paqueta A reported fee of 35 million euros ($40.5 million) was paid in a show of the company’s financial strength in the region.
Flamengo midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta said on his Instagram profile that Luiz “will always be one of us.”
“I feel infinitely grateful. Sometimes you only realize your worth when it becomes a memory,” the Uruguayan said.
Luis played in 101 games as Flamengo’s manager, recording 63 wins, 23 draws and 15 losses. Five of those losses occurred this year.
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