Cuca eyes ‘title’ off Flamengo, expects Neymar back for Santos | OneFootball

Cuca wants Santos to win the second half of the Brasileirão

Flamengo and Palmeiras are the favorites in the race for the Brasileirão title. However, the top of the second half of the season has a surprise: Santos. Coach of the team from Baixada Santista, Cuca has set as a goal the ‘symbolic trophy’ of the second half of the season, which is currently being contested point by point with Mengão.

— When I met with them (the players) before the game against Botafogo, I said: shall we try to be champions of the second half of the season? That’s what we’ve been doing. We’re tied at the top with Flamengo and we’re going to do our very best to finish in the best way possible — said Cuca, after Santos’ 2-1 win over São Paulo.

Injured, Neymar has not played since September 2. However, the forward is in the final stage of recovery and should be available next Thursday (08) against Flamengo. Coach Cuca, in fact, is very optimistic about having the number 10 on the field.

“Neymar may already be fit. We’ll work in the days leading up to the match, but the chances of him playing are high,” Cuca added in a press conference. The coach also responded about Gabigol, who was substituted after scoring two goals in the derby. However, the manager assured that the striker is not a concern.

SANTOS X FLAMENGO

With Santos on a run of five straight wins, and Flamengo fighting to remain first in the Brasileirão, the two leaders of the second half of the season face each other starting at 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time). The match will take place at Vila Belmiro, with full coverage from Coluna do Fla.

AUTHOR’S OPINION

— It will be a great match. Santos are enjoying their best moment in a long time, and Flamengo are currently playing the best football in Brazil. Vila Belmiro should be packed for this game. Hopefully Mengão has an inspired afternoon and manages to leave Santos with a good result — opined Pedro Paulo Catonho, journalist for Coluna do Fla.

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