Alive in cups and out of Z-4, Santos hit Cuca targets before June break | OneFootball

Santos hit Cuca’s key targets before the World Cup pause, still alive in both cups and outside the Z-4.

According to Globo.com, they are into the Copa do Brasil last 16 to face Remo and remain in the Sudamericana, where a play-off with Universidad Central (VEN) awaits after finishing behind Recoleta.

Another aim was Neymar’s World Cup recall, delivered by Carlo Ancelotti, though debate followed after the CBF said he has a grade 2 right calf injury.

Cuca considers it important to be qualified in both cups and outside the relegation zone, even by one or two points, adding that 60 days in the drop zone is not good and the team worked hard to avoid it.

Santos could have a full second half for the first time in five years, last managed in 2021 when they lasted into August in the Sudamericana and September in the Copa do Brasil.

To be alive in three competitions by August in 2026, they must overcome Universidad Central (VEN) in play-offs scheduled for the last two weeks of July.

The squad are on holiday and return on 22 June. A Portugal tour runs from 7 to 17 July under the 'Joga Brasil' project, with three friendlies including Vitória de Guimarães on 12 July at Estádio D. Afonso Henriques.

Source: Globo.com