Cuca outlines Coutinho plan at Santos, says there is work ahead | OneFootball

Cuca has set out how he plans to reintegrate Philippe Coutinho at Santos, praising the midfielder’s attitude but stressing there is work to do before he plays.

According to Globo.com, the coach spoke after a 2-1 win over Cruzeiro in the 27th round on Saturday night. He lauded Coutinho’s condition, calling him lean, cheerful and very motivated, and said both sides can help each other.

He said Coutinho has already joined the squad’s video debrief, reviewing clips from the last match and training. Despite no announcement yet, the midfielder watched at the stadium in a box alongside Neymar and Gabigol.

Coutinho would be the club’s fifth addition this window, joining Everton Cebolinha, Rodinei, Arthur and Lima. He has not played since February and is considered the highest risk of the five, needing more time than the quartet to be match ready.

Cuca set no deadline, citing the player’s lack of rhythm. He noted the upcoming international break will allow thorough work with the squad, with assessments and tests to decide when Coutinho can feature. Integration will be gradual, and he maintained the player will play.

Santos visit Atlético-MG for the Copa Sul-Americana quarter-final second leg on Wednesday at 19:00 Brasília time at Arena MRV, Belo Horizonte. Their next league match is against Remo on Saturday at 18:30 at the Mangueirão in Belém.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”