Filipa Patão Appointed Head Coach of Boston Legacy FC
Filipa Patão, the recently appointed head coach of Boston Legacy FC, aims to instill a fervent spirit in her players. Announced as the inaugural coach for the NWSL expansion team set to debut in 2026, Patão arrives with a robust coaching background from Benfica, where she spent five successful years. She has made it clear that her coaching philosophy emphasizes an aggressive and competitive style of play.
“What you can expect is a team that’s highly competitive, intense, and aggressive,”
Patão stated in an interview with ESPN.
Her past as a player informs her coaching approach, as she prioritizes maintaining possession of the ball.
“I prefer to press and win the ball back quickly because playing without it doesn’t resonate with me,”
she explained.
Coaching Philosophy and Vision
At only 36 years old, Patão has already made her mark on women’s soccer. Her playing career included stints with both Benfica and the Portuguese national team, which fuels her passion. Throughout the selection process for the coaching role, she found a shared understanding with Boston executives, including general manager Domènec Guasch.
The discussions revealed that Boston Legacy FC represents a commitment to women’s soccer, with dedicated facilities for training and a shared vision focused on the sport’s fundamentals.
“The project felt like a perfect match. We spoke the same football language,”
noted Patão, who emphasizes developing players’ creativity through smaller training setups.
A flexible coaching style is essential in the NWSL, where success often comes during transitional moments in games.
“Great players can adapt to varying situations. Flexibility is key, and I intend to shape the team’s strategy around the skills of our roster,”
Patão remarked.
Her vision includes being versatile, stating,
“I have many colors to work with and will adjust when necessary to secure victories.”
Patão draws coaching inspiration from figures like Luis Enrique of Paris Saint-Germain and credits António Fonte Santa for giving her opportunities to lead youth teams at Benfica.
Goals and Prospects in the NWSL
Under her leadership, Benfica’s women’s team achieved remarkable success, winning five consecutive league titles and making history as the first Portuguese club to reach the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarterfinals in 2023-24. Now, she aims to replicate that success in the challenging landscape of the NWSL.
The new franchise can begin assembling its roster on July 1, with the potential for player loans within the league — a first in the NWSL. However, expansion teams often face difficulties in their inaugural seasons, and Patão acknowledges the challenges, especially for international coaches adapting to the American context.
Yet, she remains steadfast, emphasizing belief in the process over fleeting wins.
“Success isn’t instantaneous; it’s about nurturing growth and genuinely believing in your vision. There’s no magic solution in football, and persistence is crucial,”
Patão explained.
She is determined to attract top talent, proclaiming,
“Our mission is to obtain the best players and help them feel exceptional.”
For Patão, achieving success also involves keeping the joy alive in the game. She recounts her own decision to retire from playing, not due to ability but rather from exhaustion.
“I remind my players, it’s essential to hold onto that passion in football. The game can be chaotic and brings immense pressure. We need to enjoy the journey and not lose our love for the sport amidst all that stress,”
she advised.
