Filipe Luis was floated as a contender to become Chelsea’s new head coach, but any apparent attempts at hiring the Flamengo boss were doomed to fail.
It was after Confidential asked contacts close to both Luis and Flamengo whether he would be allowed to speak with Chelsea that we were told why he was not a realistic candidate to replace Enzo Maresca, after the Italian’s exit on New Year’s Day.
Those sources explained that the 40-year-old Brazilian does not yet hold a Pro Licence – and he would require that or its equivalent for a work permit to take up such a significant position in Europe.
For that, the sources added, he is required to continue his work in South America while they also highlighted how he has extended his contract with Flamengo until 2027.
I would be surprised if we do not see Luis managing in the Premier League someday. The former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea left back, who won the league and League Cup with the Blues in 2014-15, is making a name for himself as a talented tactician in Brazil, and his English is exemplary.
During the summer’s Club World Cup in the United States, Confidential interviewed Jose Boto, Flamengo’s director of football, and he hailed Luis as a world-class coach.
Filipe Luis is a highly rated young boss but does not yet hold a Pro Licence – and the Flamengo manager would require that for a work permit to take up such a significant position in Europe
But it would be a surprise if we do not see former Chelsea left back Luis managing in the Premier League some day
But Flamengo’s model could hardly be more different to Chelsea’s and others across the world.
While everyone else is searching for that next super-starlet, the Brazilian side want experience, hence why Boto signed Jorginho, the 34-year-old formerly of Arsenal and Chelsea, and Danilo, 34, previously with Manchester City.
MARESCA KEEPS HIS COUNSEL… FOR NOW
Maresca privately believes his side of the story on exiting Chelsea will be heard by all, though the 45-year-old is preferring to keep it to himself for now.
Maresca released a statement on Tuesday, three hours after the appointment of Liam Rosenior as his successor. It was a routine PR-friendly release as he thanked the supporters and his players, though he did neglect to mention the hierarchy with whom there was tension, 18 months after they trusted him with leading one of the world’s biggest clubs after a single season with Leicester.
Confidential has been told Maresca does not feel…