Filipe Luís was officially presented as AS Monaco’s new head coach on Wednesday, speaking to the media for the first time alongside General Manager Thiago Scuro at the club’s Performance Centre. The Brazilian, who has signed a two-year contract, led his first training session with the squad that morning before facing the press for his official presentation.
Luís said the decision to join the Principality club had come easily, despite interest from other clubs, describing the feeling as “incredible” from the very beginning of his discussions with Scuro and sporting advisor Carlos Aviña. Outlining his footballing philosophy, he explained that he favours an attacking, dominant style built on aggressive high pressing, while also valuing possession and giving players the tools to keep the ball and keep improving.
Discussing the squad he inherits, Luís said he did not expect major changes, but stressed the importance of tightening the team defensively, noting there is still work to do on protecting the backline even as Monaco continues to play an attacking game. He described himself as a highly ambitious coach with big dreams and high expectations, saying he wants opponents to know it will be difficult to play against Monaco, a mindset he wants his players to carry into every match.
On the gap between Monaco and Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain, Luís acknowledged the distance is well known, but insisted his own ambitions remain undimmed as the club looks to close it over time.
Asked about Paul Pogba, whose future at the club has been the subject of recent speculation, Luís praised the midfielder’s career and confirmed Pogba would join the squad for pre-season training. He added that no player is more important than another within the group, and said he was keen to see how Pogba responds, noting his quality could prove valuable if he can recover his best level.
Scuro, addressing reporters alongside his new coach, praised Luís’s connection to the club’s vision, pointing to the way his footballing ideas align with the direction Monaco wants to take. He noted that Monaco saw an opportunity to build a more stable side under Luís, one capable of controlling matches and defending better, while highlighting the impressive achievements the Brazilian delivered during his time at Flamengo.
Luís’s appointment marks the start of a new project for Monaco, built around his attacking, high-pressing approach and a clear ambition to push the club back toward the top of French football.