Flamengo coach Philippe Luis highlighted the clear difference in quality between his Brazilian side and their European opponents.
Before the match, there was hope; during the game, reality set in. After losing to Bayern Munich, Luis felt the gap between the two teams was vast. Old regrets resurfaced too—especially about losing their best players, like Vinicius Junior, who left Flamengo for Real Madrid.
On Sunday, Bayern Munich defeated Flamengo 4-2 in the Club World Cup Round of 16. The German side’s star striker Harry Kane scored twice.
Flamengo conceded two goals within the first ten minutes. Though they fought back, they couldn’t match Bayern’s strength. After the match, coach Philippe Luis shared his reflections on the harsh footballing truth.
“They put us under intense pressure from the start. Eight, ten players pressed us together. Our plan did work to some extent—we managed to press back and create chances. But they were simply the superior team.”
“We were up against the elite of world football. If Vinicius hadn’t left our club to join Real Madrid, we’d still have one of the best players in the world on our team.”
Vinicius joined Flamengo’s academy at age six and rose through their ranks. At 17, he debuted professionally with the club, only to move to Real Madrid the following year. He’s not alone—many talented players from the region attract European clubs’ attention early. Lured by bright futures, fame, and financial rewards, they move to Europe’s top leagues.
Luis believes even if Flamengo had somehow beaten Bayern, it wouldn’t change the true picture of South American and European football.
“These players from South America want to play elite football, and that’s why they’re there. Even if we had won today, it wouldn’t change the reality. European clubs operate at a much higher level.”
“We have many good Brazilian players in our team, but their team has the very best. Their players are ahead of ours, that’s the truth.”
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany, however, doesn’t fully agree with his opponent.
“Player quality is definitely important in any tournament, but so is belief. I don’t know if it’s entirely true, but from what I see, many of the world’s best finishers come from South America. Football runs deep in their veins.”
In the quarter-finals, Bayern face a tough challenge—European champions PSG. The clash will take place next Saturday in Atlanta.
