Vojvoda explains why Gabigol stayed on the bench in Santos v Vasco | OneFootball

In Santos' fourth-round Brasileirão win over Vasco on Thursday, Neymar drew attention, but so did Gabigol staying on the bench as Juan Pablo Vojvoda chose not to use him.

Gabigol leads Santos this season with four goals. Even so, Vojvoda started Thaciano. When Thaciano went off, Gabriel Menino came on to reinforce midfield late on.

Vojvoda called it a technical decision and underlined that Gabriel remains important. He said the forward trains hard, will keep helping, and when picked will give his usual contribution. A striker might not score every game, he added, but he respects Gabigol as a goalscorer.

It was not only Gabriel who dropped out. The coach made five changes, with Escobar, Gabriel Menino, Barreal and Rony also making way as Vini Lira, Gabriel Bontempo, Miguelito and Moisés came in, alongside Thaciano.

He said the choices reflected game strategy and the moment. He analysed his own team for this one, preferred those 11, and said it may not be repeated. He trusts the whole squad and treats each match with its own plan.

Santos are not back in action until 10 March, away to Mirassol in the fifth round. They train on Friday, then take three days off before returning on Tuesday. Vojvoda now has a week to test, including fitting Neymar and Gabigol together without exposing the defence.

Source: Globo.com