Filipe Luis: “The elite of football is in Europe” after Flamengo’s defeat

Filipe Luis: “The elite of football remains in Europe”

Flamengo coach Filipe Luis, after the 4-2 defeat against Bayern Munich in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup, stated that it is a “fact” that the elite of football remains in Europe. The Brazilian team scored two goals in the first 10 minutes. Although they managed to narrow the gap on two occasions, Bayern always maintained control, securing their place in the quarter-finals against Paris Saint-Germain.

“The pressure they exert is immense. They attack you with eight, ten players. They deserved to win,” commented Filipe Luis, former Atlético de Madrid player. “Our plan worked and we were able to press and create goal opportunities, but they were better than us. We are playing against the elite of football.”

Filipe Luis

Filipe Luis also pointed out that if Vinícius Júnior had not gone to Real Madrid, they would have the best player in the world. It was expected that the European teams would dominate the expanded Club World Cup, but they sometimes struggled in the group stage, while all the Brazilian teams advanced and impressed. Bayern, however, restored a measure of what the European football establishment would call “order” before Inter Milan’s clash with Fluminense of Brazil in the round of 16. Palmeiras advanced by defeating Botafogo, also Brazilian, on Saturday.

“They want to be in the elite and that’s what they are, if we had won today and the tournament, it wouldn’t change the reality: they are high-quality teams,” added Filipe Luis. “We have many Brazilian players in our teams, but they (the European teams) have the best. They have better players, that’s a fact.”

Filipe Luis

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany wasn’t so sure about the quality difference and also alluded to the quality of coaches in South America, which helps balance any talent gap.

“In any competition, it’s the quality of the players, but also the belief,” Kompany said. “I’m not sure that’s so black and white, and some of the best finishers in the world are from South America. South American teams have football in their blood.”

Vincent Kompany

“Do you know how many great strategists have come out of South America? Marcelo Bielsa, Filipe Luis, notably.”