Santos face backlash after members’ email recommends therapist post 2-1 loss to Botafogo | OneFootball

Santos sparked a backlash after emailing members to recommend a therapist one day after the 2-1 defeat to Botafogo at Nilton Santos in the 19th round on Thursday 16. Many supporters criticised the timing on social media, with some viewing it as mockery of the club’s situation.

According to Diario Do Peixe, the Sócio Rei message arrived on Friday morning 17 offering help for fatigue and anxiety and a link to book an assessment. Reaction was also shaped by the fact Cuca’s squad currently has no psychologist in the professional football department.

The recommended professional is Dr Ádan Jardim, the club’s neuroscientist since December last year. His work is different from clinical psychology, centred on cognitive enhancement.

In a club release, Santos announced a project to improve athletes’ mental and cognitive performance, creating a technical cognitive lab at CT Rei Pelé. Sessions use neuroscience equipment to sharpen decision making, reaction time and game reading, with brain activity monitored.

The aim is to raise performance beyond the physical and technical, since cognition is seen as directly affecting on-field output. Reaction time, concentration, decision making under pressure, spatial awareness and emotional control are considered key.

Training mimics match scenarios to prompt faster, more efficient responses and may help prevent mental dips from physical and emotional fatigue during the season. Data are intended to individualise programmes and track players’ progress, and Dr Jardim leads the Applied Neuroscience Protocol being embedded in the senior squad.

Source: Diario Do Peixe