Santos dropped into the relegation zone of the Campeonato Brasileiro following a 2 to 0 defeat against Athletico-PR at the Vila Belmiro stadium, according to CNN Brasil. Colombian player Viveros scored both goals for Athletico-PR within the first 25 minutes of the match, as reported by R7 Esportes. With this result, the Alvinegro Praiano remained on 22 points, occupying the first position inside the Z4, as detailed by CNN Brasil.
Santos Enters Relegation Zone After Home Loss
Following the loss, manager Cuca addressed reporters during a press conference attended by football director Alexandre Mattos, per CNN Brasil. Cuca stated that they lost today because when the score was tied at 0 to 0 they had two chances to make it 1 to 0 and the atmosphere would have been different, adding that after conceding the goal the game turned against them, they tried to score to get back into the match but lacked the strength, and it was a round where they entered the Z4, according to CNN Brasil. Supporters at the stadium voiced their frustration, shouting and booing both the players and the coach, according to R7 Esportes.
Cuca Demands Transfer Ban Resolution and New Signings
Expressing concern over an abbreviated squad and a demanding calendar, Cuca shifted his stance and publicly requested that the club leadership resolve the FIFA transfer ban in order to acquire two or three new players, as noted by UOL. To register new athletes, Santos must pay 2.032 million euros in cash to Monaco, representing the final installment for the 2023 purchase of Jean Lucas, according to UOL.
Cuca said that they did not make any signings during the transfer window and still lost, noting that they are one of the few teams that did not bring in players and have to deal with a transfer ban, that the solutions have not been delivering, and that he will not ask for understanding because if he were in the stands he would do the same, according to CNN Brasil. The manager added that if they can overturn the transfer ban and strengthen the squad, it will be fundamental, emphasizing that they need two or three players to bulk up the group, that this is a personal venting session on his part, and that while he likes working with the kids, in this moment of pressure it is not ideal, as reported by CNN Brasil.
Upcoming Fixtures Across Multiple Competitions
Santos faces a packed schedule with 17 matches remaining in the Campeonato Brasileiro, consisting of seven games at home and ten away, according to CNN Brasil. Cuca expressed apprehension regarding home fixtures against opponents such as Flamengo, Palmeiras, Cruzeiro, and Grêmio, alongside ongoing participation in the Copa do Brasil and the Copa Sul-Americana, per CNN Brasil.
Addressing speculation regarding his future at the club, Cuca addressed the press on Father’s Day, stating that working on Father’s Day and having a day like this is horrible for them, that him leaving Santos is not good business for Santos, for himself, or for anyone, and that he will strive with all the strength he has to extract the maximum possible, as cited by R7 Esportes.
The team’s immediate schedule includes a Copa Sul-Americana round of 16 first-leg match against Macará at the Vila Belmiro, followed by an away fixture against Vasco da Janeiro in Rio de Janeiro for the Brasileirão, according to CNN Brasil. Additionally, Santos is scheduled to travel to Ecuador for the return leg against Macará, followed by a direct match against Mirassol, as noted by CNN Brasil.
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