Vojvoda hails Santos’ spirit, urges strong mindset for run-in | OneFootball

Juan Pablo Vojvoda praised the fighting spirit of Santos in the victory over Palmeiras this Saturday at Vila Belmiro. The Peixe won the derby with a goal at the end of the second half and left the relegation zone. The coach, however, asks the team to stay focused until the end of the Brazilian Championship.

“The key point was to maintain balance and concentration until the end. Palmeiras had some absences, but they are fighting at the top, they are used to winning games at the end,” said the coach.

“We played a good first half. The second half we need to analyze better, but it was more balanced. They had more chances, improved their possession. We kept insisting, the changes had an effect. I congratulate my players. It was a tough week, we had this focus and concentration that we need to have until the end. Our minds have to stay strong until the end. We can’t lose focus and must continue with a lot of attention,” he analyzed.

Mister Derby?

The triumph over Palmeiras keeps Vojvoda with a 100% success rate in derbies at Vila as Santos’ coach. With the Argentine in charge, Peixe has beaten São Paulo, Corinthians, and Palmeiras. The coach pointed out the reasons why the team came out on top against their main rivals, even while fighting at the bottom of the table.

“I don’t know if it’s a coincidence, but in the three matches we won here, we went in with very high concentration, creating goal opportunities. We also knew how to suffer, we have to know how to suffer. Our task is to repeat our concentration, focus, balance, and know that we are fighting for an important goal. I don’t know if it’s so much tactical, it’s more about spirit, attitude, and grit,” he stated.

“We played good games, but we weren’t getting points. Today we felt that, we were playing well but not scoring. Sometimes you have to play a little uglier and win. That will bring motivation that will help our team play better too,” he added.

Praise for Rollheiser

Vojvoda also praised midfielder Benjamín Rollheiser, who scored the winning goal for the alvinegro. The coach said the Argentine had an impeccable attitude throughout the week.

“I spoke with him, I’m happy. He had a very good week, knew he wouldn’t be a starter. He came on well against Flamengo, participated in the goals. He had a week like a true professional, gave his all. The goal is deserved by him and the whole group. There are players who were not included, I spoke with them, the main thing is to put ego aside. This is not a time to think about ourselves, it’s time to think about Santos,” he commented.

(Photo: Raul Baretta/Santos FC)

Role of the Fans and Boosted Morale

The Santos coach also highlighted the role of the fans, who put on a beautiful show at Vila Belmiro and supported the players at CT Rei Pelé on the eve of the derby. He believes the victory will lift the squad’s spirits in this decisive stretch of the season.

“I said after the match against Flamengo that we needed our fans. That’s Vila. A demanding fanbase, but one that understands the difficult moment and supports us. I asked at Maracanã for the fans to support us for the full 90 minutes. The team needs the fans, the players are people who suffer. I understand the suffering, but we are suffering too and we need the support,” he exalted.

“I think what helps most are the three points. That helps lift the spirits. There were matches where the performance was good, but we didn’t get the three points. I think what really helps is getting the three points. That means we can breathe a little, but very little, because the next game will be very tough again,” he concluded.

Santos’ Position in the Table

With the victory over Palmeiras, Santos jumps to 16th place in the Brazilian league table, with 36 points, pushing Vitória into the relegation zone. Leão, who opens the Z4, has one point less than Peixe.

Next Santos Match

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