Vojvoda explains benching of Gabriel Barbosa in Santos 2-1 win over Vasco | OneFootball

Juan Pablo Vojvoda said it was a technical decision to leave Gabriel Barbosa on the bench as Santos beat Vasco 2-1 at Vila Belmiro in the Brasileirão’s fourth round on Thursday 26.

According to Diario Do Peixe, the coach accepted responsibility for the call and underlined Barbosa’s importance, saying he gives everything and remains a goalscorer he respects even when he does not score.

Despite making five changes, Vojvoda did not introduce the striker.

Barbosa returned in January on loan from Cruzeiro until the end of the year. Since arriving he has played eight of nine Paulistão matches, was rested against Guarani with tendinitis and, for the same reason, started on the bench but came on against Palmeiras.

In the league, he was also rested against Chapecoense and against Athletico-PR because of the synthetic pitch.

He has four goals and two assists in nine appearances this year, with Santos playing 13 matches in total. Barbosa took the number nine shirt from Tiquinho Soares, who left on loan to Mirassol.

Source: Diario Do Peixe