A recent episode of The Obi One Podcast shared on the podcast’s official X handle and hosted by John Obi Mikel had former Atlético Madrid and Chelsea defender Filipe Luís as his guest.
Filipe Luís talked about his journey into football management and people who have inspired him the most, Diego Simeon in particular.
Filipe Luís became head coach of Flamengo in September 2024 and he talked about his time under Diego Simeon,
He really changed my way of seeing football, the way I think about my life as well, and became more competitive. More than I want to be champion because he gave that inside my heart.
When Filipe was at Atlético Madrid, he won La Liga in 2014 and got to the Champions League final and he has used his experiences to mould himself into the coach he is today.
He also acknowledged that Simeone’s tough approach made him develop a thick back and become more competitive. Being a coach at Flamengo now, he has only lost one match.
Noting his good deeds, Softfootball reported that Man United’s former player Roy Keane had pronounced Diego Simeone the best choice to conduct the rebuilding process at old Trafford.
Curious about his influence, Mikel asked,
Which manager inspired you?
Luís replied,
Simeone is the guy who changed me the most.
The podcast also explored how Luís has evolved tactically as a coach. He said,
I get a little bit over everybody but also I try to study a lot because football, I think, changes every season.
He explained that he had been inspired by managers José Mourinho and Jorge Jesus in combining modern attack with an organized, strong defense.
He explained that his style combines modern attacking play with strong defensive organization, inspired by managers like José Mourinho and Jorge Jesus.
Filipe Luís’s transitioning from player to becoming a manager is an evidence of how much Simeone’s competitive style has rubbed off on him.
Filipe’s impact even rubbed off on Wesley, a product of Flamengo academy who grew into a consistent starter under Filipe Luís’ guidance.
This podcast episode not only emphasized Luís’s promising coaching career but it also shows how Simeone’s influence continues to shape modern football thinking.
Watch the podcast below:
