Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images
Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images
It was only at the start of the year that Filipe Luis held talks to possibly become the next Chelsea manager. Not long later, he was sacked by Flamengo but already, it seems he has a new home.
The sacking of Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day saw Calum McFarlane take over at Chelsea on an interim basis for two matches. The draw against Man City and the loss to Fulham, before Rosenior took over.
Since then, Rosenior’s stint as manager has been up and down. Form has dipped as the fixture list has got harder, and there are some among the Chelsea hierarchy who do not believe Rosenior will last long.
Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior poll results
Credit: Dan Istitene/Isabella Bonotto/Anadolu via Getty Images
But it could have been very different. Chelsea interviewed Filipe Luis while he was with Brazilian giants Flamengo, with some suggestions claiming talks stalled when it was clear Strasbourg was his port of call.
Filipe Luis now in line for new job after Flamengo sacking
Not long after his interview with BlueCo, Luis was fired after losing crucial games to Argentine side Lanus and then Corinthians. The decision to sack Luis came after a massive 8-0 win over minnows Madureira.
Botafogo v Flamengo - Brasileirao 2025
Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images
It went from possibly managing Chelsea to being without a job in the matter of a couple of months. This is the gruesome side of football management, but Luis has not had to wait long before his next job.
According to Brazilian site Globo, former Chelsea left-back Luis is now set to replace Brazilian legend Tite at Cruzeiro. A side that was recently embroiled in a huge fight with America MG, resulting in 21 red cards.
What Thiago Silva has said about Filipe Luis’ management
Recently, Chelsea icon Thiago Silva was speaking about Luis’ early steps into management and the dedication he puts in. He says that results might not always work out, but Luis’ work rate is superb.
Using Vincent Kompany as a comparison, Silva lauded Luis: “Kompany got promoted with Burnley, got relegated with Burnley the following year, and was then signed by Bayern Munich. Relegated.
Liam Rosenior breaks awful stats after Chelsea loss to Newcastle
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
“Relegated in the Premier League. Then you think, why? Because people didn’t focus on the result – they saw the work. He arrived at Bayern and won the title in his first year. This year he will probably win again.
“So we have to choose what we want to focus on: result or work. Work leads to results. And the result of that single game can go any way – three possibilities: lose, draw, or win. But if you have consistent work.
“That will likely bring great rewards and major titles in the future. That’s what Filipe had at Flamengo – it wasn’t random, it was work. This decision should not have been made in such a disloyal way.”
There is every chance, then, that Luis remains on Chelsea’s radar but for now, he looks set to join a Cruzeiro side that boast recognisable names including Carlos Vinicius, Luis Sinisterra and Gerson.