Rio de Janeiro Giants Part Ways with Veteran Coach
In a surprise move, Flamengo has relieved its head coach of his duties, just a day after securing a narrow 1-0 win over Athletico Paranaense in the Brazilian league. The decision comes on the heels of a disappointing exit from the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals at the hands of Uruguay’s Peñarol.
The 63-year-old coach, who previously led the Brazilian national team to two World Cup appearances, had been at the helm of Flamengo since his departure from the national team following their quarterfinal elimination in the 2022 World Cup. During his tenure, he guided the team to a Rio state championship title in April, but failed to replicate that success in other competitions.
Despite boasting a high-spending squad, Flamengo currently sits fourth in the Brazilian league with 48 points from 27 matches, trailing leader Botafogo by 11 points. The team will face Corinthians in the semifinals of the Brazilian Cup on Wednesday, providing a last-ditch opportunity to claim a major trophy this year.
The coach’s replacement, announced by the club, is a familiar face – former Atlético Madrid defender and multi-champion Filipe Luis, who currently coaches one of Flamengo’s youth divisions. He will take the reins for the remainder of the year.
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