Diego Ribas breaks his silence on Filipe Luís’s dismissal: ‘I was in doubt’

The coach was fired last Tuesday (3)

Former player Diego Ribas shared a video addressing the dismissal of Flamengo coach Filipe Luís . In just over two minutes of recording, the former number 10 of the Rubro-Negro questioned the club’s board’s decision and praised his friend.

A dismissal decision by Filipe Lunes has Diego Ribas breaking his silence: “I was uncertain”

Even before beginning to discuss the matter, Diego admitted that he was hesitant about commenting on the case. After a moment of reflection, he decided to speak out, defending the coach and praising his attitude and the work he has done at the club.

— Just like you, I’ve been reflecting on Filipe Luís’s dismissal. I was hesitant about whether to record this video or not. Because my demands, responsibility, and expectations for Filipe are higher. I’m a friend. And true friends demand more than just achievements. They also demand commitment, character, integrity, professionalism, courage, and Filipe had all of that. I want to praise his behavior throughout this entire period as Flamengo’s coach — the former player began before concluding.

“A short while ago, I met with President Bap, where we met by chance at an event and had a few minutes to talk. He told me that he wanted to build and sustain a culture in which Flamengo would be increasingly successful. I told him that this cannot be built without harmony,” he concluded.

The end of the former player’s cycle as manager of the Flamengo team came unexpectedly and victoriously. In just over a year and a half as the club’s coach, Filipe Luís won a Copa do Brasil (2024), a Campeonato Carioca (2025), a Brasileirão (2025), a Supercopa do Brasil (2025) and a Copa Libertadores (2025).

In his last game in charge, Flamengo beat Madureira 8-0 at the Maracanã in the Carioca Championship semi-final. Despite this, finishing as runners-up in the Brazilian Super Cup and the South American Recopa this year has increased the pressure on his position.

With the dismissal, the Flamengo board officially announced the hiring of Leonardo Jardim. The Portuguese coach, who had a successful spell at Cruzeiro last year, takes over as head coach of the Rio de Janeiro club.