Filipa Patão: Passion and Competitiveness at the Head of Boston Legacy FC
Coach Filipa Patão, the new helmswoman of Boston Legacy FC, has made her approach clear: her teams will play with passion and aggression. After five years coaching Benfica, Patão was officially presented as the first coach of the NWSL expansion team for 2026.Patão, who had a distinguished career as a player at Benfica and in the Portuguese national team, embodies the passion she hopes to transmit to her team. The 36-year-old coach highlighted the shared vision during interviews with Boston executives, including general manager Domènec Guasch. Patão’s philosophy focuses on high-intensity football and creating a work environment that prioritizes creativity. During the interview process, he found a common vision with Guasch, who brings vast experience after his time at Barcelona. Although he prefers his teams to maintain possession of the ball, Patão considers himself adaptable, a crucial quality for success in the NWSL, where matches are often defined in transition.My teams will be very competitive, intense and aggressive. I like to press, win the ball quickly because I like to have possession. I was a player, so what I like most in football is having the ball.
Filipa Patão
Patão will adapt his playing style to the strengths of the players that Boston signs. She describes herself as “chameleonic”, capable of changing according to the needs to win.If you are a good player, you can do everything. We need to be flexible.
Filipa Patão
Patão states that they will seek the best players and that their “mission” is to make them feel the best. For the Portuguese coach, success also lies in joy and passion. Retired from football due to fatigue, Patão insists on reminding her players of the importance of passion.It’s not patience; it’s believing in the process. You don’t become the best in the first moment, but if you continue consolidating your process and believe in it, it’s impossible to fail.
Filipa Patão
