'We can win the competition': Strasbourg's Filipe Coelho on Conference League chances

Following 17 years with Benfica, during which he nurtured young players and helped establish a distinct playing style, Filipe Coelho chose to step away from his familiar surroundings to pursue fresh opportunities. His professional journey led him to Estoril, where he secured the Revelation League and Revelation Cup victories, followed by a move to Chelsea, and currently he serves on Gary O'Neils staff at Strasbourg.

In an exclusive interview with Flashscore, the Portuguese coach reflects on his early days in Seixal, discusses how his tenure with the Reds has shaped his approach to the game, and offers high praise for Joao Neves, whom he views as "possibly the most versatile talent" he has encountered.

From his experiences in France to his aspiration of eventually heading back to Portugal in a head coaching role, Filipe Coelho also addresses the contributions of Portuguese coaches overseas, the development of Strasbourg, and his goal to claim the Conference League title.

You spent 17 years at Benfica. How did that time shape you, not only as a coach but as a leader and someone deeply involved in football?

"I owe much of who I am today to my time at Benfica. It provided me with immense opportunities, yet I also contributed significantly to those around me. It was a mutual growth experience.

"An institution like Benfica presents exceptional chances: quality matches, international tournaments, and encounters with top global academies. These elements build a robust experience base and foundation that often go beyond what a resume can capture."

You worked extensively in Benficas youth setup. Did that phase emphasise winning more, or developing skills?

"I discovered that effective training brings you far closer to regular victories. That is the key lesson. Nowadays, when observing various initiatives, I connect strongly with those allowing sufficient development time. Naturally, time is flexible: without outcomes, no period will suffice.

"Yet certain ventures offer a bit more patience, leading to enduring success over time. At Benfica, the drive to succeed exists from the under-10s up to the first team.

"Above all, I have come to understand that thorough training, focusing on specifics, individuals, quality content, and advanced techniques, positions us much nearer to success."

You have coached numerous promising players lately. Is talent innate or cultivated daily?

"Talent serves as an initial advantage. Some players possess greater innate ability, but it develops through consistent effort. The rivalry in the environment, training quality, and surrounding circumstances can either enhance or stifle it. Coaches and support teams play a vital role here.

"Talent appears in various forms. It is not solely about technical polish. Some excel in dedication, rivalry, team integration, and elevating collective abilities.

"Squads do not form from a single mould. They blend diverse traits, and harmonising them indicates solid organisation and cohesion."

Which players have impressed you the most during your career?

"It is straightforward to mention him, as I have noted it often: Joao Neves stands out as possibly the most adaptable talent I have seen. Adaptable in his capacity to perform almost any task athletically.

"His background, including beach football in the Algarve, endowed him with exceptional technical skills. He then smartly adjusted his physique for the sport, boosting his competitiveness immensely.

"His enthusiasm, smarts, and daily habits serve as a model for others. His current accomplishments come as no surprise."

Back then, could you predict Joao Neves current stature?

"No one holds a crystal ball. Talent spotters and coaches exert maximum effort, but guarantees are absent. For Joao Neves, given his mindset, drive, skill set, and flexibility, he appeared as a youth unhindered by barriers, viewing challenges as opportunities.

"His consistency across training sessions was remarkable, with minimal performance dips, leading to strong support for him. The primary concern for some was his build and transition to adult level play.

"Nevertheless, I maintain that mindset trumps physique. Despite his height, Joao influenced games broadly, including dead-ball scenarios, thanks to his ball anticipation and drive.

"This, paired with his supportive family, formed the player he is now. I guided him through U14, U15, and U17 stages, fostering a deep fondness. His consistent humility inspired the group."

After years in Benficas youth ranks, you opted to exit your safe haven for novel experiences, thriving at Estoril with league and cup triumphs in the revelation category, then to Chelsea, and now Strasbourg. Reflecting, was it the right move?

"Indeed, you highlighted a crucial aspect: the safe haven. Long years at Benfica require ongoing self-challenge to avoid complacency. It is intense yet enriching, amid skilled individuals advancing daily.

"However, I sought recognition beyond youth coaching. Estoril arrived timely, offering a chance to advance while achieving wins. Success elevates the coachs profile, and those accolades spotlighted our efforts.

"Estoril boasted a competitive atmosphere, and I hold fond memories of its people and the club. That exposure paved the way to Chelseas Under-21s.

"The alignment was strong between my playing philosophy and their needs, akin to Enzo Marascas: base construction, numerical edges, and dominance in attacking zones. Yet I stress it extended to ethos, principles, and cultural transmission."

A notable shift was from lead coach to assistant, your present position. Did you seek this to broaden your expertise?

"Certainly. Apart from my initial Benfica role assisting Renato Paiva and Luis Nascimento, I had always led teams. Gradually, I recognised the value in assisting, to gain perspective, study other managers, dynamics, and grow in a supportive capacity.

"That is my pursuit, while eyeing future leadership. Though I contribute effectively under Liam Rosenior and now Gary O'Neil, I confirm my calling is heading a team. There lies my drive and direction.

"Meanwhile, I thrive here, absorbing from capable figures. Experiencing dual styles in a year has deepened the learning."

Respecting your current setup, if a prompt or near-term offer arose to lead a Portuguese top-division side, would you feel prepared?

"Yes, I am prepared. The UEFA Pro licence is essential for some paths, not for my self-assurance but for procedural needs.

"I avoid moves requiring rule bends or penalties. I honour the journey and optimise my current position. A Portugal return would be meaningful. Not an urgent goal, as family comes first.

"My home follows my family, who accompany every phase. Portugal is my nation, heritage, and origin. In the fitting scenario, I am eager to lead."

You have coached in England and France. What is the view of Portuguese coaches internationally?

"At Chelsea, I saw Jose Mourinhos enduring legacy. Through him and his staff, including Rui Farias influence, opportunities emerged for Portuguese managers.

"Subsequently, they demonstrated prowess in such settings. Years on, I benefited from that momentum.

"Portuguese coaches adjust adeptly. Beyond expertise, they offer tactical versatility and warm interpersonal skills. This relational aspect enhances any scenario. It transcends football.

"I have encountered Portuguese leaders in other fields with significant influence. I sense our national capability abroad and take pride in contributing to it."

Regarding Strasbourg, how has life been in Alsace, this unique city, balancing family and club duties?

"The city is wonderful. Compact yet charming, it has embraced my family warmly. President Marc Keller and academy head Francois aided my childrens school integration, a key factor in our choice.

"Moving from England to France was tough, especially with my newborns arrival. Yet familially, it eased, as my wife has French heritage, attended Lycee Francais in Lisbon, and is fluent.

"Now, the children converse in French among themselves, likely surpassing my proficiency. They have settled superbly."

What is your specific role in Strasbourgs coaching group?

"My contributions mirror my time with Liam Rosenior. I joined to offer a fresh perspective, hence accepting the role.

"Weekly, I enhance multiple areas. Spanish fluency aids bonds with players like Kendry Paez, Valentin Barco, Joaquin Panichelli, and Julio Enciso, plus I engage in personal sessions.

"I focus heavily on attack, scrutinising foe vulnerabilities and optimising our forward play. With Gary O'Neils arrival, trusted aides joined, but my input is appreciated from day one, aided by group familiarity.

"Currently, I contribute to match strategy, player analysis, and offensive elements. Gary holds a firm identity yet adapts to rivals. In sessions, I plan freely, particularly attacks."

Strasbourg switched managers mid-season: Liam Rosenior departed, Gary O'Neil arrived. What defines Strasbourgs core? Shift or persistence?

"Prior to coaches, note this: Strasbourg never lacked identity for me. Despite ownership critiques from some supporters, its spirit endures.

"President Marc Keller remains, the venue expands, and youth like Abdoul Ouattara and Samir El Mourabet feature regularly, signalling stability. Ownership evolution has elevated the club beyond prior reach.

"On coaches, Liam Rosenior shines in dialogue and personnel handling. Gary O'Neil prioritises tactics and play fundamentals. Both are top-tier, with unique strengths.

"Defence shows chief variances. Liams was bold, marking opponents closely. Garys introduces guarded setup, bolstering the backline securely without aggression loss.

"Attack lacks stark changes. Maybe more positional leeway and space usage tweaks.

"Garys teams integration was astute: injecting fresh concepts while preserving strengths. This has enriched my involvement greatly."

Since joining, where has Strasbourg advanced most, in play or structure?

"Defence again, as the primary evolution. We shifted from intense personal marking reliant on duels to a prudent, reinforced backline with extra numbers there.

"This retains pressing vigour, a team hallmark, but adds balance. Garys Premier League survival expertise infuses valuable insight.

"Players now merge pressing zeal with organised defence, yielding versatile responses per match needs."

Any players who stood out unexpectedly since arriving?

"Many, but Joaquin Panichelli tops, regrettably sidelined for the seasons remainder. His field displays are known, but daily qualities impress more.

"An outstanding young man, diligent, and exemplary. Internally, he models behaviour through effort and team loyalty.

"In the box, his scoring instinct is innate, poised for greater feats. His knee setback hurts us and him deeply, yet I am certain he will rebound. Panichelli unites opinions here."

Last week, defeat to Nice in the French Cup. Began addressing errors for the key Rayo Vallecano clash?

"Yes, training centres on rectifying flaws, amplifying strengths, and averting repeats.

"Nice altered from league form, using a five-man line as anticipated. We controlled the ball but faltered in early chances.

"They exploited errors to lead. We believe the superior side fell short, but goals decide progression. Respect to Nice.

"Attention now turns to fixes and Rayo prep. This play-off spans ties, unlike the Cup single match, akin to our Mainz encounter: subdued away, dominant home."

Planning a two-legged tie versus a single Cup game, any distinct preparations?

"Not vastly altered. Subtleties exist, but core processes hold. Player messaging shifts, knowing second chances allow adjustments.

"Versus Mainz, home tactics varied. Attack ties to defence, tuned to situations. Trailing, we risked more, curbed threats, generated opportunities, and controlled.

"Knockouts differ by assessing first leg and tailoring the return to scoreline and demands. We await Rayos response."

How do you assess Rayo Vallecano this European campaign? Domestic struggles aside, Conference League is landmark.

"Undoubtedly. Gary O'Neil merits praise for groundwork. He grasps Rayos patterns, linking Inigo Perezs vision to Iraolas Bournemouth carryover.

"Rayo echoes Bournemouth traits, and our manager knows these transitions well. Not an edge, but informed on patterns for prep.

"His Premier knowledge bolsters this. Rayo compete fiercely, bodily, and boldly, generating more shots than conceded. Direct play suits them precisely.

"Vigilance is key for Vallecas demands. Home second leg may prove vital, like Mainz, where we excelled in Strasbourg."

Can Strasbourg claim the Conference League?

"We believe so, like Rayo, Crystal Palace, and Shakhtar. We have progressed far, but Madrid claims total attention now. Aim for a solid outing and favourable outcome. That advances dreams of the German final.

"We sense victory potential. Ambition, belief, and sharp focus on Thursdays match prevail."