Cuca aims to restore players’ essence on Santos return | OneFootball

Cuca has given his first remarks after returning for a fourth spell as Santos head coach, saying he aims to restore each player’s essence and maximise the squad for the club’s benefit.

According to Globo.com, he described himself as very excited and hopeful, while acknowledging the responsibility in a difficult moment for the club, and he asked supporters for their backing.

He also set his sights on a strong year in the Copa do Brasil and the Sudamericana, with the Brasileiro his main focus.

Hired to replace Juan Pablo Vojvoda, dismissed in the early hours of Thursday, negotiations advanced quickly as the board pushed to have a new coach in place for the trip to Cruzeiro at Mineirão on Sunday at 16:00 Brasília time.

Cuca arrives with assistant Cuquinha and fitness coach Omar Feitosa. The club view him as a straightforward choice who knows what to do and can absorb pressure without needing an adaptation period.

He is familiar with the club and its environment, including president Marcelo Teixeira. Cuca and Teixeira had discussed a return several times in recent years, and since taking office in January 2024 Teixeira has hired Fábio Carille, Pedro Caixinha and Cleber Xavier, as well as Vojvoda, all of whom were later dismissed.

Source: Globo.com