Santos Appoint Cuca as New Manager After Sacking Vojvoda: Neymar Aims to Impress for World Cup 2026
Santos have made a managerial change by sacking Juan Pablo Vojvoda following a late defeat to Internacional. Neymar's Santos side have struggled this season, leading to concerns about relegation. The club has appointed former boss Cuca to lead the team until the end of the season, as they aim to turn their fortunes around and climb away from the drop zone. Neymar is focused on regaining his spot in Brazil's squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Santos have sacked manager Juan Pablo Vojvoda in the wake of a 2-1 defeat to Internacional on Wednesday. Neymar's side were beaten by an injury-time winner in a result that will reignite fears about relegation. Santos currently sit just one point above the drop zone after seven games of the season and have managed just one win so far in the new campaign.Neymar was on target for Santos against Internacional but it was not enough as his team slipped to a 2-1 defeat. The Brazilian superstar scored a second-half penalty but an own goal and a late strike by Johan Carbonero handed Inter all three points. Santos then confirmed after the match that manager Vojvoda had left in a statement: "Santos FC announces the departure of head coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda and the members of his technical staff. The club thanks them for their services rendered and wishes them success in the continuation of their careers."Santos have since confirmed that former boss Cuca will be the club's new coach until the end of the season. The club said in a statement: "Santos Football Club finalized on this Thursday (19) the hiring of coach Cuca for the remainder of the season. The new manager signed a contract valid until the end of 2026. Cuca arrives at the Fish accompanied by assistant Cuquinha and physical trainer Omar Feitosa. A native of Curitiba (PR), Alexi Stival is 62 years old and will begin his fourth stint with Santos Football Club. Previously, the coach led the Black-and-White Coastal team in 2008, 2018, and 2020-2021."Neymar is back to full fitness with Santos and is hoping he can play his way into Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil plans for World Cup 2026. The forward has been left out Ancelotti's latest squad list but says he will keep on working hard in a bid to earn a recall before the tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada this summer. He told reporters: "The national team squad has just been announced. We weren't called up. Of course, I'm sad, but I'll always support the national team. Now it's about keeping working, and being ready if an opportunity comes. Obviously, it's my last World Cup. I was upset. But tomorrow I have to stop being sad. I need to work, train and play so that an opportunity may arise to be at the World Cup. I'm prepared.”Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingSantos will be hoping that the arrival of Cuca can help improve the team's fortunes and he can steer the club away from the relegation zone. Neymar and Co. are back in action on Sunday against bottom side Cruzeiro.
Santos Make Swift Managerial Change
Santos Football Club has acted swiftly following their recent defeat to Internacional by parting ways with manager Juan Pablo Vojvoda. The 2-1 loss has heightened fears of relegation, with the team currently just one point above the drop zone. Neymar's contribution in the match, which included a goal, was not enough to secure the victory.
Cuca Returns for Fourth Stint with Santos
In a bid to stabilize the team and ensure survival in the league this season, Santos has announced the return of Cuca as the new manager. Cuca, along with his assistants Cuquinha and Omar Feitosa, will lead the team until the end of the 2026 season. The experienced coach has previously managed Santos in three separate spells and will be tasked with guiding the team to safety.
Neymar's World Cup Aspirations
Neymar, who recently returned to full fitness with Santos, is determined to impress in order to earn a spot in Brazil's squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Despite being left out of Carlo Ancelotti's latest squad selection, Neymar remains focused and committed to working hard to catch the eye of the national team coach. The forward expressed his determination to seize any opportunity that may arise, emphasizing that the upcoming World Cup could be his last chance to represent his country on the grand stage.
Future Prospects for Santos
With the appointment of Cuca and the renewed determination of Neymar and the squad, Santos will be aiming to secure their status in the league and make a climb up the table. The team's next challenge awaits them as they face bottom side Cruzeiro on Sunday, where they will look to kickstart their resurgence under new management.
