Teixeira hits back at critics, urges Santos fans to trust: "Progress ruffles feathers"

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·2 February 2026

Teixeira hits back at critics, urges Santos fans to trust: "Progress ruffles feathers"

This Monday, Marcelo Teixeira defended his management at Santos. Pressured by the Peixe's poor start to the season, the president stated that he is working to bring innovations to the club and recalled the "reconstruction process."

"We have been leading a reconstruction process of Santos Futebol Clube for only 2 years, during one of the most challenging moments in its history. With a focus on organization, responsibility, and long-term planning, we are working to regain our strength and get the Club back on track," he began.

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The president listed the results achieved by the Alvinegro Praiano in the last two years. Although the team fought against relegation until the last round of the 2025 Brazilian Championship, he believes that Santos has regained prominence in the football scene.

"In 2024, we achieved significant results, such as the runner-up in the Paulista Championship and the title of the Brazilian Championship Series B, achievements that demonstrate determination and the ability to overcome. In 2025, we expanded our competitive presence, returning to compete in four competitions, including an international one, putting Santos back in the spotlight on the national and world stage," he said.

See this photo on Instagram A post shared by MARCELO TEIXEIRA (@marcelopteixeira)

Teixeira also mentioned the projects for the new Vila Belmiro — which remains stalled — and SAF — the board is in talks with investors and evaluating proposals — to counter those who claim the club is in "crisis."

"In parallel, we are advancing in strategic projects, such as the new Arena and SAF, designed to modernize the Club and ensure sustainability in the future. These advances naturally unsettle some, who take advantage of the initial results of the 2026 season to try to create 'crises' uninterested in the realization of these projects," he commented.

Finally, the president asked for a vote of confidence from the fans.

"No Santos fan is satisfied with the current campaign of the professional team. Even so, we ask for the vote of confidence from the membership and the fans so that together we can achieve new goals in 2026, just as we did in 2024 and 2025," he declared.

"A reconstruction like this requires time, adjustments, and above all, unity. I continue to work with a focus on strengthening Santos and returning to prominence in a solid and responsible manner," he concluded.

Santos lost 2-0 to São Paulo last Saturday, reaching six consecutive games without a win this season. There are three losses and three draws.

In the Paulista Championship, the club is in 14th place, with six points, two more than Velo Clube, which opens the relegation zone. In the Brazilian Championship, the team started with a 4-2 defeat to Chapecoense, away from home.

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