Cuca urges defensive balance at Santos and backs Adonis Frías after early error | OneFootball

Cuca called for defensive balance after Santos beat Universidad Central 4-2 to reach the Copa Sudamericana last 16. According to Diario Do Peixe, he is concerned by the goals conceded.

Since the season resumed after the World Cup pause, Santos have scored in every outing, 13 in four matches. They have also conceded in each game, eight in total, a pattern troubling the staff.

The run began with a 2-2 draw with Chapecoense, when João Ananias put through his own net. A 2-1 loss to Botafogo followed, with errors from Lucas Veríssimo and Luan Peres, and a decisive mistake by goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão.

Santos then won 4-1 away to Universidad Central in Venezuela, where a lapse from forward Moisés led to a goal. In the return, a 4-2 home win, Adonis Frías erred for a goal after 18 seconds.

Cuca said the team must find balance between attack and defence, and that defending starts from the front. Conceding two at home remains a concern.

He also backed Adonis Frías, calling him experienced and important, saying mistakes are part of football and praising his response.

Attention now turns to the Copa do Brasil, with Remo in the last 16 first leg on Saturday 1 at 21:00.

Source: Diario Do Peixe