Santos fan group meet Cuca and senior players at CT Rei Pelé | OneFootball

Five members of Torcida Jovem met head coach Cuca and senior figures in the Santos squad at CT Rei Pelé on Thursday afternoon, with entry authorised by the football department. The conversation took place before training, described as calm and intended to instil confidence rather than to confront.

According to Diario Do Peixe, the organised supporters had earlier posted on social media lamenting the 1-1 home draw with Recoleta of Paraguay in the Copa Sudamericana on Tuesday 14. They also criticised Neymar after his exchange with a supporter at full time, noting the visitors were under-strength.

In that message, the group accused the board of inaction and the squad of arrogance after an early goal, and said the captain and No 10 should accept criticism from fans. They stressed that while players and executives may move on, the supporters will remain and demanded respect for the club and its people.

After Thursday’s discussion, the squad trained as scheduled and began preparations to host Fluminense on Sunday 19 at 16:00 at Vila Belmiro in the 12th round of the Brasileirão.

Santos have 13 points and sit 15th, fighting near the bottom of the table. Only Corinthians, on 11 points, are below them as the first side outside the relegation zone. Internacional, Vasco, Grêmio and Botafogo are level on points with Santos.

To stay alive in the Sudamericana, Santos need to win their remaining four group matches and rely on other results in the section. They also enter the Copa do Brasil in the fifth phase, facing Coritiba next Wednesday 22 at Vila Belmiro before the return at Couto Pereira.

Source: Diario Do Peixe