Monaco's new era begins as Filipe Luís replaces Pocognoli

Filipe Luís has been appointed head coach of AS Monaco, succeeding Sébastien Pocognoli, with a contract that runs until 30 June 2028, the club announced on Monday, marking the start of a new cycle. The 40‑year‑old Brazilian brings a résumé that includes spells at Atletico Madrid and Chelsea as a player. He will lead his first training session on Wednesday morning, with the aim of improving on the club’s seventh‑place finish last season.

AS Monaco stated, “L’AS Monaco est heureux d’annoncer l’arrivée de Filipe Luís au poste d’entraîneur, marquant le début d’un nouveau cycle”. The statement confirmed that the Brazilian coach will replace Sébastien Pocognoli at the helm of the Principality club.

Filipe Luís began his coaching career in January 2024 after a playing career that featured stints at Atletico Madrid and Chelsea. He first took charge of Flamengo’s U17 side before being promoted in June 2024 to lead the club’s U20 team.

With Flamengo’s U20 squad, he secured the Coupe intercontinentale U20. His success with the youngsters earned him a promotion to the senior team in September 2024.

At Flamengo’s first team, Filipe Luís added several trophies, including the Copa Libertadores in 2025. These accomplishments underscored his rapid rise from youth to senior management within a year.

He arrives at AS Monaco accompanied by assistant coach Ivan Palanco and physical trainer Diogo Linhares, both of whom worked with him at Flamengo. The Monaco staff also includes Antony Santiago, another assistant, and goalkeeper coach Jyri Nieminen, who previously served at Feyenoord Rotterdam.

Nieminen is familiar with Lukáš Hrădecký, having coached the Finnish national team’s goalkeepers. Hrădecký is expected to continue as Monaco’s first‑choice keeper under the new regime.

Filipe Luís has set a target of finishing higher than the seventh place achieved last campaign. The club hopes the new coaching team will push the side into the upper tier of Ligue 1.