The rumours of manager Diego Simeone’s possible exit bring an old wish from Atlético Madrid closer.
Filipe Luis is experiencing one of the happiest moments of his young coaching career after winning the Copa Libertadores with Flamengo, a feat that has once again placed his name in the spotlight of Atlético Madrid.
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The possible transfer of Diego Pablo Simeone to Inter Milan in the near future has activated all the red and white mechanisms of the club, which is already considering scenarios for an orderly transfer. In this context, the Brazilian re-emerges as an emotional and sporting candidate to take over the bench at the Metropolitano.
The meteoric growth of Filipe Luis as a coach
The former full-back has managed to translate his immense intelligence on the pitch into a solid proposition from the sidelines. Since arriving in Flamengo, his development has been constant, accumulating titles and showing a leadership ability that few coaches of his age can match.
Also, the Brazilian has promoted a recognizable football identity. His team combines defensive strength with quick transitions and selective pressure that activates at critical moments, which has caught the attention of European sporting directors. Many in Brazil describe him as a modern coach, able to blend South American heritage with methodical concepts from European football, especially those he absorbed during his time as a player under Cholo Simeone’s guidance.
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The emotional and tactical connection to Atlético Madrid
The name Filipe Luis will always find a place among the red and white supporters, who consider him one of the best left-backs in the club’s recent history. His time at Atlético Madrid, where he played eight seasons spread over two periods, left a mark both in the stands and in the dressing room, a detail that speaks in his favour if the debate about Simeone’s successor is opened. His deep knowledge of the club’s competitive culture allows him to fit into a continuity project, able to develop its structure without breaking with the fundamental values that have defined the Argentine coach’s era.
Moreover, the Brazilian’s own environment recognizes that his coaching vision is influenced by Cholo Simeone’s figure. Tactical order, defensive solidarity and aggressiveness in the duels are patterns that are also reflected in his Flamengo. Although he brings his own nuances – such as a greater focus on possession and more creative freedom in the opponent’s half of the pitch – he retains traits that make him in line with the red-and-white DNA, something the board values especially in such a delicate moment as the possible farewell to the club’s most influential coach.
A big challenge if he lands at the Metropolitano
Nevertheless, the leap from South America to La Liga will be a significant challenge for Filipe Luis. The European level of competition, calendar requirements and media pressure make up a very different scenario than the one he faces in Brazil. In addition, Atlético Madrid is going through an institutional and sporting transition phase where any new coach must take on responsibilities immediately. The Brazilian had to prove his ability to handle a squad of top players and adapt quickly to an environment where patience is often scarce.
Still, his natural leadership skills, connection to the fans and ability to build solid squads place him as a real possibility if Simeone’s departure does happen. The board does not rule out the idea that a young, ambitious profile with a red-and-white past may be the best way to start a new phase without trauma.
A future that can reunite roads
In this scenario of uncertainty, the name Filipe Luis appears strongly with sufficient references to secure a place on the list of candidates. He knows the club, his discourse is in line with the red-and-white identity, and his successful present at Flamengo supports him as a coach who is ready for a significant leap in his career. If Simeone decides to embark on an adventure in Italy, Atlético would find in Filipe a perfect bridge between memory and renewal.
All indications are that 2026 could potentially be a crucial year for the Madrid club, and the return of Filipe Luis to the Metropolitano, this time from the sidelines, does not seem like a fantasy but an opportunity as real as it is appealing.
