With an impeccable start in Ligue 1, manager Filipe Luís has taken sole possession of first place with Monaco, impressing French critics after consistent victories and defensive solidity.
Filipe Luís‘ transition from Brazilian football to the European stage could not have had a more promising beginning. After leaving his role at Flamengo in March 2026, the former full-back took on the challenge of managing Monaco and, in just a few weeks, is already reaping significant rewards in Ligue 1.
With two wins in two rounds, the team from the Principality has taken sole possession of the league lead, consolidating a project that prioritizes tactical organization and defensive security.
The impact of the Brazilian’s work was capped off by a high-level performance last Sunday (30), when Monaco defeated Olympique de Marseille 2-0 at the Stade Louis II. The result maintained the club’s 100% record, establishing them as one of the main protagonists of the French championship right from the start of the season.
Praise from the French press
The team’s performance did not go unnoticed by local experts. The traditional sports newspaper L’Équipe highlighted Monaco‘s authority on the pitch and the direct influence of Filipe Luís on the team’s structure, awarding the coach a rating of 7 for his game reading and the squad’s composure against a traditional opponent like Marseille.
The French publication assessed:
“Monaco continued their recent form and seemed to control the situation against Marseille, showing defensive solidity and imposing strength in recovering the ball. It is a dream start: his team leads Ligue 1”
Defensive performance and leadership
The coach’s main merit at the start of this European journey lies in consistency. In addition to the six points collected, Monaco boasts an impressive statistic: the team has yet to concede a goal in either of the first two rounds.
This balance between attack and defense puts the group ahead of direct competitors such as Paris FC, Lille, Lyon, and Rennes, who each have four points.
The solidity displayed reinforces Filipe Luís‘ reputation, as he has quickly implemented a functional collective system, proving that his success in Brazil was no fluke and that he has the experience to manage top-tier teams in international football.
The trial by fire in Paris
The next challenge, however, will put the durability of this good run to the test. On Friday (04), Monaco will travel to the Parc des Princes to face Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning national champions. The duel is seen as a turning point and the first major test for the team’s aspirations in the competition.
According to the M360 Team, the match carries significant emotional and tactical weight, functioning almost as a chance for the manager to prove his worth.
This positive run, with victories in both the Conference League and the start of the French league, serves as a high-end calling card for the former Flamengo icon, who is looking to maintain his winning ways now on the other side of the Atlantic.
M360 Team
