Chelsea could be again looking at Filipe Luís as a managerial option after sacking Liam Rosenior, with the Brazilian coach’s name resurfacing just months after previous talks with the club.
The Blues dismissed Rosenior after a run of seven defeats in eight matches, bringing an abrupt end to a spell that lasted only three months.
That decision has reopened internal discussions about alternative profiles, and Filipe Luís is once again part of that conversation.
Previous contact and Flamengo exit
Filipe Luís built a strong reputation during his time at Flamengo, delivering five major trophies and maintaining a win rate close to 70% across 101 matches. His side scored over 180 goals in that period, reflecting a clear attacking identity.
However, his exit in March came shortly after an 8-0 defeat to Madureira. While that result accelerated the decision, there were already underlying issues. Reports pointed to disagreements behind the scenes and a difficult start to the new season.
The thing is this is not a new link. Filipe Luís had already held talks with the club’s hierarchy before Rosenior was appointed in late December, when Chelsea were exploring different options.
There have even been suggestions in Brazil that those conversations played a role in his eventual departure from Flamengo, with interest from Europe influencing both timing and internal dynamics at the club.
A new opportunity
According to O Dia, the former Flamengo manager is among the names being considered as Chelsea reassess their direction.
Obviously, the Brazilian is not a stranger to Chelsea. He was part of the club’s 2014-15 title-winning squad under José Mourinho, contributing across multiple competitions during that campaign.
The left-back made 26 appearances in total, featuring in the Premier League, domestic cups and European matches. While he was not always a starter due to competition with César Azpilicueta, he still played a role in a season that ended with Chelsea lifting both the Premier League and the League Cup.
Filipe Luís is currently based in Spain and intends to wait until the European season ends before making a final decision.
Chelsea’s possible renewed interest introduces a different level of opportunity. However, it also comes with uncertainty given the club’s recent instability and frequent managerial changes.
Major obstacle: UEFA licence and eligibility
Despite the interest, there is a significant barrier to any immediate move. As noted by Lance! in Brazil, Filipe Luís does not yet hold a UEFA Pro Licence, which is mandatory to officially manage in England or in UEFA competitions.
He currently has A and B licences from the the Brazilian FA, but has not completed the highest qualification.
There is also a second issue. UEFA rules typically require at least three years of experience as a head coach at top level to validate foreign licences. Filipe Luís’ time at Flamengo lasted under two years, meaning he does not currently meet that threshold.
As a result, even if Chelsea wanted to move quickly, they would face a regulatory challenge.
One potential workaround exists. The BlueCo group could consider a structure similar to the one used by Cesc Fàbregas at Como. In that case, Fàbregas effectively led the team while a licensed figure was officially registered as head coach.
However, applying that model at Chelsea would carry far greater risk. The club operates under intense scrutiny, and such an arrangement would require strong justification to supporters and media. It would also depend on internal alignment within the club’s hierarchy.
Championship interest still active
While Chelsea revisit their options, Filipe Luís continues to attract attention from the Championship.
Sport Witness sources have previously revealed that Queens Park Rangers and Middlesbrough have both made contact in recent weeks, with discussions already held with his representatives.
Watford also admire him, although they are currently taking a more cautious approach after appointing Edward Still in February.
Middlesbrough remain the most competitive of those options. They still have a credible route to the Premier League via the playoffs. QPR and Watford, meanwhile, sit further off the pace, around 10 and 11 points behind the top six respectively.
What happens next
For now, multiple paths remain open. Championship clubs have already taken concrete steps, while Chelsea’s situation could develop quickly following Rosenior’s dismissal.
The next few weeks are likely to be decisive as Filipe Luís weighs up the first European move of his managerial career.
