RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Defending Brazilian and South American champion Flamengo hired Portuguese coach Leonardo Jardim on Wednesday after shocking fans with his firing. Filipe Luis The day before.
The Rio de Janeiro club announced that the 51-year-old former Monaco manager has signed a contract until the end of 2027.
Ruiz was fired hours after Flamengo defeated diminutive Madureira 8-0 in the Rio state league semifinals. This year, his team angered supporters by losing the Brazilian Super Cup to local rivals Corinthians and the South American Recopa trophy to Argentina’s Lanús.
Many fans, pundits and former Flamengo players expressed their support for Luis after his dismissal, while others expressed disbelief at the decision of club president Luis Eduardo Baptista.
Just two months ago, Luis extended his contract with Flamengo until 2027. Luis played in 101 games as Flamengo’s manager, recording 63 wins, 23 draws and 15 losses. Five of those losses occurred this year.
Jardim coached Cruzeiro last year, leading the Minas Gerais team to third place in the Brazilian league. He left the club after his contract expired in December and vowed not to coach another Brazilian team.
Flamengo bosses are hoping for another strong season for their recently signed club MF Lucas Paqueta The reward is reportedly 35 million euros ($40.5 million).
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