Cuca rewards Santos players with medals in competitive training | OneFootball

Cuca introduced competitive drills at Santos training on Thursday morning, handing out small prizes to standout performers.

According to Diario Do Peixe, players faced one-on-ones, known as X1, with medals for winners, then a five against five physical exercise with a mini trophy.

Photos on the club’s Flickr show Zé Ivaldo and Rollheiser received medals, while Bontempo and Robinho Jr took the trophy. Robinho Jr, the number seven, posted that they made 29 ball recoveries.

The coach regularly uses playful routines that lighten the mood, a shift welcomed by the football department and the board. Under ex-coach Vojvoda, the atmosphere was positive, but strictly professional.

Cuca’s more fatherly style is viewed as helping to revive some players. He has given another chance to Tomás Rincón, who had not played for two months, and Robinho Jr is more upbeat, which could unlock a renewal.

Santos hope to climb in the Brasileiro as they sit just outside the relegation zone. Preparations continue for Remo next Thursday at 19:00 at Vila Belmiro, then Flamengo on Sunday at Mineirão, with April also bringing starts in the Sul-Americana and Copa do Brasil.

Source: Diario Do Peixe