Cuca says Neymar’s fitness improving, targets rare run for No 10 | OneFootball

Cuca believes Neymar’s conditioning is on the rise after the forward stayed in Brazil to train while Santos travelled to Ecuador.

According to Globo.com, the coach approved a plan that prioritised physical and technical work at home as the squad faced Deportivo Cuenca.

Neymar did not dominate the 1-0 win over Atlético-MG at Vila Belmiro on Saturday in the Brasileirão, but Cuca felt he showed greater energy.

He now aims to count on the No 10 across the next three fixtures, which would mark an unprecedented run in almost a year. The coach said Neymar and Gabigol delivered perhaps their strongest competitive and physical display and that minutes will be managed to keep them fresh every three days.

Neymar has not played four matches on a three-day cycle since July last year. After Atlético-MG, Santos meet Recoleta on Tuesday in the Sul-Americana, Fluminense on Sunday, then Coritiba on 22 April in the Copa do Brasil.

Cuca added that Neymar is improving game by game after staying to work, and that it is risky to play the full 90. He said they will see whether the forward can handle Tuesday, and that it was pleasing to see him enjoy the game.

Against Atlético-MG, Neymar was involved rather than decisive, recording five shots, level with Gabriel Bontempo, and drawing five fouls, the most by a Santos player.

The evolution also targets a spot among the 26 for Brazil at the World Cup, with only 10 matches left before Carlo Ancelotti names his squad.

Source: Globo.com