Filipe Coelho has been appointed head coach of Casa Pia AC, leaving his role as assistant manager at French club RC Strasbourg Alsace. The Portuguese coach takes charge of the Lisbon-based side, who currently compete in Portugal’s top flight.
The move represents Coelho’s first senior head coaching position in his home country. He joined Strasbourg in the summer of 2025, initially working under Liam Rosenior before continuing as part of Gary O’Neil’s backroom staff. Rosenior departed for Chelsea in January, and O’Neil recently left to take the manager’s job at Ipswich Town, departing with the assistants he had personally appointed.
Chelsea opportunity declined
Coelho had the chance to follow Rosenior to Stamford Bridge earlier this year but opted to remain in France. Speaking to A Bola, he explained his decision: “I was close to going to Chelsea when Liam left and accompanying him in London, but family is a very important pillar and it didn’t make sense to take my family away from a good adaptation to life in France to return to London at that point.”
He also outlined his long-term ambitions during that interview, stating, “I feel that the moment to be a head coach will come. I’m not in a hurry and I’m enjoying it.” Regarding a potential return to Portugal, he added, “A return to Liga Portugal? It’s a league that means a lot to me. It’s my country. Returning to my country is always on the table.”
Youth pedigree in Portugal and England
Prior to his move to France, Coelho established himself within youth development. He previously coached academy sides at Portuguese clubs SL Benfica and Estoril, and also gained experience with Chelsea’s youth setup in England. This background in nurturing young talent will be valuable at Casa Pia, a club known for its focus on sustainable squad building.
What happens next
Casa Pia AC will look to Coelho to bring stability and tactical organisation as they navigate the challenges of the Portuguese top flight. Having resisted the urge to follow his former colleagues to the Premier League, the coach now has the opportunity to prove himself as a number one in his native league.
His departure from Strasbourg closes a chapter that saw him work under two different English managers in the space of several months, providing him with varied tactical insights he can now apply in Lisbon.