“One of the three best in history”
Filipe Luis faced the press on Thursday, on the eve of taking Monaco to the Parc des Princes. Asked about his opposite number in Paris, the Brazilian coach did not bother with half measures.
“We are going up against one of the best teams in the history of football. I am going to face, once again, the best coach in the world, or probably one of the three best in history, and I have the privilege of living this moment,” he said.
Monaco’s new coach focused more on the method than the results: “What he brings to football, his personality, the way he speaks, the way he behaves, the attention he gives to the group. He shows others how to manage a squad and how to lead a big club.”
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Praise from a man who played under Simeone and Mourinho
That carries extra weight coming from a man who played for Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, under Diego Simeone and Jose Mourinho, before moving into management himself. Filipe Luis has sat under some of the most demanding bosses in Europe, so when he talks, it is not empty pre-match politeness.
He also pointed to what, in his view, separates the very good from the rest: repetition. “It is very hard to win for the first time, and he keeps on winning. That is the hardest part.” A not-so-subtle reminder that Luis Enrique lifted trophies at Barcelona before doing it all over again in Paris.
PSG still have not won a league game this season
The sporting context makes this a slightly awkward assignment for Monaco. PSG host on Friday at 21:05 and are still chasing their first league win of the season. Paris had to settle for a 2-2 draw with Lille, grabbing both goals in stoppage time.
So yes, a side being praised in public, but one that has hardly looked untouchable at the start of this campaign. Filipe Luis has made the first move. Now it is down to what he actually has planned on the pitch.
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