Chelsea learn the manager they overlooked for Xabi Alonso is flying elsewhere

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Chelsea have learned former managerial target Filipe Luis has made an incredible start to life as the head coach of Monaco.

The Blues considered hiring Luis before naming Xabi Alonso as their manager in May, according to The Telegraph’s Matt Law.

And Luis, who played for Chelsea in 2014-15, has picked himself up from that setback by making an immediate impact at Ligue 1 side Monaco.

After Chelsea decided to appoint Alonso, Monaco swooped in by naming Luis as their new head coach on a two-year contract in July.

And the Brazilian has led the municipality club to an undefeated start to the season featuring seven wins and two draws in nine games.

Spanish outlet Diario AS understands that is Monaco’s best start to a season since 1991-92 - when they were managed by Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger.

Monaco can leapfrog Paris Saint-Germain - who they beat in September - into first place in Ligue 1 by winning away Lorient this afternoon.

They also beat CSKA Sofia in the league phase of the Conference League on Thursday, having downed Gornik Zabrze over two legs in qualifying.

One man who has been in fine form for Monaco is Paris Brunner, the 20-year-old striker who has scored seven goals in all competitions this season.

Midfielder Aleksandr Golovin has also caught the eye under Luis, recording four goal contributions (one goal, three assists) for Monaco this term.

Luis earned his coaching stripes at Flamengo

After a trophy-laden playing career for Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and Flamengo, Luis announced his retirement in December 2023.

Three months into his spell as the head coach of Flamengo's Under-20s, Luis was named manager of the first team in September 2024.

The 41-year-old won seven trophies in less than two years with the Brazilian giants, including the Copa Libertadores in 2025.

However, Luis was surprisingly sacked by Flamengo in March of this year following an 8-0 win over Madureira in the Campeonato Carioca semi-finals.

That decision has been to the benefit of Monaco, who were looking for a new manager following the sacking of Sebastien Pocognoli in June.

Belgian Pocognoli would later become head coach of the Scotland national team, signing an initial two-year contract in August.

Chelsea meanwhile have made a solid start under Alonso, winning six of their opening nine games under the Spaniard, losing two and drawing one.

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