Vojvoda steadies Santos as Neymar brace sinks Vasco and pressure eases | OneFootball

Santos should have calmer days ahead after a turbulent spell of protests and pressure on Juan Pablo Vojvoda. A 2-1 win over Vasco, sealed by two Neymar goals, lifted the team out of the relegation zone and eased scrutiny on the coach.

According to Globo.com, the club do not play again until 10 March after their Paulista exit, giving Vojvoda breathing space to work at CT Rei Pelé.

Defeat might have been decisive for his future, but with five changes to the XI, Santos played well and convinced at Vila Belmiro.

The priority now is player recovery, notably Neymar. The number 10 has played two consecutive 90-minute matches and will have time to recuperate and stay in contention to start.

He has two more games before Carlo Ancelotti names Brazil’s squad for friendlies on 19 March. Before that, Santos visit Mirassol then host Corinthians at Vila Belmiro.

Gabigol, who stayed on the bench against Vasco and has been managing tendinitis since the start of the year, will also use the hiatus to build fitness and tactical sharpness.

Santos expect to regularise Uruguayan midfielder Cristian Oliva after paying Arouca for the João Basso deal, which would lift the FIFA transfer ban and allow registrations. The punishment is expected to be lifted on Monday, while the board continue to seek a centre-back without major spending.

Source: Globo.com