Flamengo have sacked manager Filipe Luís just hours after his team thrashed Madureira 8-0 to reach the Campeonato Carioca final. The club’s statement thanked the 40-year-old for his achievements but offered no further explanation. The decision has been met with widespread surprise given his impressive record.
In 18 months in charge, Luís won seven trophies, including the Copa Libertadores and Brazilian league title. He also led Flamengo to the Intercontinental Cup final, where they narrowly lost to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties. His success had even put him on the shortlist for the Chelsea job earlier this year.
However, defeats in the Supercopa do Brasil and Recopa Sudamericana in February, along with some early league losses, are thought to have contributed to the decision. Critics also pointed to a perceived reliance on set-pieces and neglect of youth development.
The sacking is comparable to an English club dismissing a manager who won the Premier League and Champions League but lost the Community Shield and Super Cup. Flamengo president Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as 'Bap', will now face scrutiny if results decline under a new coach.
Meanwhile, England’s women’s team lead Ukraine 3-0 in World Cup qualifying, and Premier League action continues tonight.
