Flamengo in Brazil dismisses coach Filipe Luis following 8-0 triumph

Flamengo has stunned the Brazilian football scene by dismissing its coach Filipe Luis mere hours after securing an impressive 8-0 victory in the Campeonato Carioca semi-finals.

Since taking over the Rio de Janeiro powerhouse in September 2024, Filipe Luis guided the team to their fourth Copa Libertadores championship last season, clinching it with a narrow 1-0 win against Palmeiras in the decisive match.

However, on Tuesday, the wealthiest club in Brazil parted ways with their coach, who reportedly was caught off guard by the decision, especially as it followed closely on the heels of the dominant 8-0 triumph over local competitors Madureira, resulting in a resounding 11-0 overall lead in the state Carioca tournament.

"Effective from Tuesday, Filipe Luis will cease to lead the team," the club announced, while also relieving his support staff of their duties.

The 40-year-old ex-defender from Chelsea and Atletico Madrid had previously steered Flamengo to victories in the Brazilian Serie A and the Carioca championship during the prior year.

In the Club World Cup, they advanced to the last 16, where they fell 4-2 to Bayern Munich, having earlier overcome eventual winners Chelsea to top their group.

Nevertheless, Flamengo has encountered setbacks this season, including a loss in the Brazilian Super Cup final to Corinthians and a defeat in the Recopa Sudamericana against Argentinas Lanus, decided in extra time during the return fixture at the Maracana.

Filipe Luis had stepped up from his role coaching the youth squad after hanging up his boots as a player with Flamengo in 2023.