Santos idol sees progress under Vojvoda, hopes for Neymar’s swift recovery | OneFootball

Idol of Santos, former midfielder Renato approved the arrival of coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda, who was hired in August this year to replace Cléber Xavier. Despite the tough moment for Peixe in the Brazilian Championship standings, the former player acknowledged that the new coach has implemented a game philosophy within the team.

Santos currently sits in 16th place on the table, with 28 points earned in 26 rounds. The team is only three points ahead of Vitória, the first team in the relegation zone. In an exclusive interview with Gazeta Esportiva, Renato saw improvement in the team under Vojvoda and hopes that it will soon be accompanied by results.

“It’s a rebuilding process, with new players being signed, and that ends up affecting chemistry. But I believe that once Santos starts winning, confidence will grow. That will bring more calm to the players. I hope this happens as soon as possible, we know how uncomfortable it is to play in that zone. May the players have confidence, home games are fundamental for them to get out of this situation. Vojvoda has arrived, already has a game philosophy, the team has improved. We’re rooting for Santos to get out of this part of the table and fight at the top,” said the Santos idol.

Vojvoda was announced by Santos on August 22. The Argentine has one win, four draws, and one loss in charge of the team. Alvinegro Praiano has shown a new game pattern and is evolving, but still struggles to string together a positive run of results.

Renato hopes for Neymar’s quick recovery

In search of a comeback in the Brazilian Championship, Santos is still without one of its key players. Attacking midfielder Neymar is recovering from a grade 2 injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh, diagnosed and announced by the club on September 19.

The number 10 of Peixe is expected to return to the pitch between the end of October and the beginning of November. Renato said he is hoping for the star’s quick recovery and considers him an important piece not only for Santos but also for the Brazilian National Team.

“Neymar needs no introduction. Of course, he suffered a very serious injury, and I’m sad about it because it affected him a lot. For sure, if he’s 100%, he’ll help Santos and the National Team a lot. He’s a game-changer. I hope he can return as soon as possible to help Santos and maybe go after the sixth World Cup title with our National Team,” commented Renato.

Neymar was last called up to the National Team in March this year, when the coach was still Dorival Júnior, now at Corinthians. However, the star was cut from the squad after presenting a problem in his left thigh.

The number 10 of Santos hasn’t played for Brazil since October 17, 2023, in the 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in the Qualifiers. On that occasion, he was a starter. In total, he has 79 goals and 59 assists in 128 games for the Seleção.

Remembering Renato’s journey at Santos

Renato, known by the nickname Renatinho, came up through the youth ranks at Guarani and was signed by Santos in 2000. The former midfielder debuted for Peixe on July 29 of that same year, against São Bento, in a friendly that ended 0-0.

Renatinho quickly stood out and earned the trust of the Santos fans. In his first spell at the club, he was also called up to play for the Brazilian National Team. In 2004, he was transferred to Sevilla, where he also had a successful career.

It was in 2014 that the former midfielder returned to Santos for a second stint. Four years later, on November 24, 2018, he said goodbye to the pitch and was honored at Vila Belmiro. For Peixe, he played 424 matches, scored 33 goals, and won four titles: two Brazilian Championships (2002 and 2004) and two Paulista Championships (2015 and 2016).

Renato playing for Santos (Photo: Publicity/Santos FC)

Santos’ situation in the Brasileirão

With 28 points from 26 games, Santos is close to the relegation zone in the Brazilian Championship. Currently, Peixe is in 16th place, three points ahead of 17th-placed Vitória, the first team in the drop zone.

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