Santos FC prepares Neymar’s comeback and revamps tactics under coach Cuca

Santos FC is awaiting the return of star forward Neymar after Brazil’s early exit from the World Cup. The club’s management will meet next week to decide how to reintegrate the striker, whose contract runs until December 2026. Neymar has logged six goals and four assists in 15 matches this season, but did not receive a break during the international break.

Meanwhile, coach Cuca used the World Cup pause to conduct extensive tactical trials in training and a friendly match. He shuffled players’ positions, moving Gabriel Menino and Escobar into central roles, deploying Miguelito deeper, and giving Barreal more width. With limited finances for new signings, Cuca emphasized creativity and flexibility among the existing squad to improve performance in the Brazilian league, Copa Sudamericana and Copa do Brasil.

Santos currently sits 15th in the national league with 21 points and remains active in continental and cup competitions.