Flamengo head coach Filipe Luis has admitted that European clubs remain the pinnacle of world football following his team’s 4-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the Club World Cup last-16 on Sunday.
The Brazilian side found themselves two goals down within the first 10 minutes and, despite mounting a spirited fightback, were outclassed by Bayern, who secured a quarter-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
“The pressure they put on you is immense. They come at you with eight, 10 players,” Luis said post-match.
“They deserved to win. Our plan did work to an extent, and we created chances, but they were better than us. We’re playing against the football elite.”
The former Atlético Madrid defender pointed to the gulf in talent between continents, suggesting that while South America produces elite players, the best among them inevitably move to Europe.
“If Vinícius Júnior had not left for Real Madrid, we would have the best player in the world. They [Europe] have better players, that’s a fact.”
Luis praised the quality of Brazilian teams in the group stage, where all advanced, but acknowledged that results like this reassert European dominance in elite club football.
Meanwhile, Bayern manager Vincent Kompany offered a more measured view: “In any competition, it’s the quality of the players, but also the belief,” he said.
“Some of the best finishers in the world are from South America. And look at the tacticians, Bielsa, Filipe Luis, and many others. Football is in their blood,” he added.