Gabigol backs Santos revival, says Neymar isn’t the saviour | OneFootball

Gabigol is confident that Santos can still bounce back and achieve great things in 2026. The striker saw the 1-1 draw with São Paulo this Wednesday, in the second round of the Brazilian Championship, as the beginning of a comeback.

“We had to change our attitude. Today was different. The intensity was something else. It's a shame the win slipped away because of one play. That’s football. With this attitude, with this drive, everyone giving 100%, we can have a great year. We wanted a better start. But if we build from today onwards, we’ll achieve a lot. Every game is a final,” he said.

“I’m not the type to analyze before the championship is over. We have a good team. We’re coming off a tough year. Our investment isn’t the same as other teams. But at home, we can do good things. Last year proved that. We showed we have the ability. Of course, we need to improve, that’s clear, but we see other teams struggling at the start as well. Every game will be a final. Sunday is another World Cup final. Every game has to be at 100%. We need everyone. And the fans too,” he added.

The derby with Tricolor was marked by protests from the fans. The Torcida Jovem spent the first half sitting in silence. At halftime, they criticized president Marcelo Teixeira and the board. The songs encouraging the team only started in the second half.

“I understand the fans. I used to be one of them. As long as it’s peaceful, the criticism is valid. But it’s tough. We need them. São Paulo used that to their advantage. We know how hard it is when Santos unites the fans and players. We also understand the criticism. The work is being done, but the results are missing. It’s a slow process. Salaries are up to date, things are getting better. We’ll suffer, but we have a very good squad, a very good coach too. Together we can achieve some things. It depends on us,” Gabigol analyzed.

To try to kickstart a turnaround, Santos is hoping for Neymar’s return. The attacking midfielder is already training with the squad after undergoing arthroscopy on his left knee in December, but he hasn’t yet been named for any matches this season.

Gabigol, however, took the pressure off the number 10. The striker wants the squad united so everyone can help each other.

“I don’t see him as a savior. Otherwise, the other teams would never let him go. He’s just another player. Very important. An idol, our captain, with great leadership, here and in the national team. We hope to help him so he doesn’t get overwhelmed and can enjoy himself. I hope he comes back 100%, calmly, to help Santos,” he concluded.

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.