Following Santos’ 2-0 win over Red Bull Bragantino on Saturday (10) at Vila Belmiro in the Campeonato Brasileiro, head coach Cuca expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance.
The result kept Santos out of the relegation zone and ended a seven-match winless streak.
“We played a consistent game on a heavy pitch with lots of rain. We pressed with high intensity, especially in the first half. It was a back-and-forth game with high pressing. You can’t sustain that for the whole match because the opponent was tired, having rested their team midweek for this game. They’re a good side in a better position despite the loss. We’re happy with this intense and balanced performance. We lost Luan due to a knock he took yesterday on top of an existing injury. He wasn’t fit to play after today’s evaluation. Adonis had a very solid game alongside Lucas and was one of the best on the pitch. It’s a celebration for those who worked hard and delivered when called upon,” Cuca said.
For the match against Red Bull Bragantino, Cuca made changes to the lineup, leaving Gabriel Barbosa on the bench. Barreal earned a starting spot, as did Adonis Frías, who started in defense.
During the previous week, the number 9 was substituted in a Copa Sudamericana match and did not stay on the bench. He later spoke on social media, claiming he had stomach issues. Cuca treated the matter as resolved and emphasized that each game requires a different strategy. According to the coach, the plan against Bragantino was to use the striker during the match.
“Regarding Gabigol, he explained he didn’t stay because he had a stomach issue. There’s nothing to say about that – there was no reprisal at all. I love him. He’s a fantastic player, I like him as a person. There’s nothing against him, quite the opposite. It was a game situation, each game has its own story. The match showed we made the right choice. He came on later, everything worked out, and it’s all resolved,” Cuca said.
