Cuca accepts blame for Santos’ 3-0 defeat to Palmeiras, calls it his mistake | OneFootball

Santos were beaten 3-0 by Palmeiras in the Copa do Brasil quarter-final first leg at Nubank Parque on Wednesday, and Cuca accepted responsibility for the result, saying the second half was very poor. According to Diario Do Peixe, he felt his side lost control after conceding the opener.

He said Santos began brightly and might have taken the lead, with Igor Vinícius spurning a good chance before Palmeiras scored. Conceding first, he added, unsettled the team.

At 2-0, he had planned changes, but acknowledged Palmeiras were well set up to counter and Santos allowed several breaks. He noted the hosts could have scored a third earlier, while Willian Arão went close with a header that might have reduced the deficit.

Cuca said there was no justification for a 3-0 defeat in a clássico of this scale and took the bulk of the blame, calling it his mistake. He added that players share responsibility but he would not shift it onto them, and accepted criticism from supporters.

He demanded a change in attitude for decisive matches, insisting the team must play better and show more spirit.

Santos visit Corinthians at Neo Química Arena on Sunday 30 at 16:00 in Brasileirão round 25, sitting 14th on 26 points, two above the relegation zone. The return against Palmeiras is on Wednesday 2 at 21:30 at Vila Belmiro, where Santos need a four-goal win to progress outright, with a three-goal margin taking it to penalties.

Cuca concluded that perhaps only in upcoming fixtures, including next Wednesday, will things become clearer.

Source: Diario Do Peixe

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