Cuca confirms Neymar’s dressing-room rebuke of Santos youngsters, says such things happen | OneFootball

Cuca confirmed Neymar confronted Santos’ youngsters in the Vila Belmiro dressing room after the 2-2 draw with Chapecoense, but declined details. On Tuesday, Santos beat UCV 4-2 to reach the Copa Sudamericana last 16.

Neymar’s outburst involved Gabriel Bontempo and João Ananias during and after the draw, and he also shouted at the squad over the result. “Nothing happened, Neymar did not single out any player, it was only a general message,” Bontempo told ESPN.

Cuca said tempers sometimes fray, described all involved as good people, and called the episode past. He noted he was not close to it and urged the group to use it to unite.

The coach said he asked Neymar about plans to year end, and was told the number 10 is at Santos because he enjoys playing. Minutes were managed so he and others came on for the second half to build rhythm for Saturday and Tuesday, a scenario Cuca likened to Ronaldinho at Atlético Mineiro in 2012.

Reflecting on the 4-2 win, he admitted the team suffered at times and conceded twice through defensive slips. He cited 25 shots and a low conversion rate, and was more concerned by allowing two at home and letting the opposition shoot too often.

Santos now face Remo in the Copa do Brasil, with the quarter-final place decided on one and four August at Vila Belmiro and the Mangueirão. Neymar is expected to feature in both, according to the coach.

Source: Globo.com