After a disappointing draw against San Lorenzo, coach Cuca of Santos highlighted critical issues within his squad. The game, part of the Copa Sul-Americana, ended 2-2 at Vila Belmiro. Cuca expressed his frustration over what he termed an “imbalance” in the team’s roster.
Cuca Critiques Squad Imbalance
Cuca cited the lack of adequate substitutes as a key factor in the team’s struggles. He emphasized that the physical condition of his players is deteriorating, affecting their performance. “We often find ourselves in a leading position but fail to maintain our fitness throughout the match,” he remarked.
Performance Analysis
The match initially had a promising start for Santos, who led 2-0 at halftime, courtesy of goals from Bontempo and Gabigol. However, the team faltered physically in the second half, allowing San Lorenzo to equalize with two goals in quick succession. Cuca noted that a player was absent during a critical moment due to substitution delays, further worsening the situation.
Player Fitness Issues
- Cuca revealed that the team is currently missing six players due to injuries, including Thaciano, João Schmidt, and Gabriel Menino.
- He stated the need to manage training intensity to preserve player energy, yet it has not proven sufficient for maintaining full match fitness.
- Notably, several players have reported physical discomfort, impacting their ability to perform at their best.
With tight fitness levels, Cuca tackled the issue of squad depth and the necessity of his tactical substitutions. “I did not choose to remove Rollheiser lightly; he was struggling and requested to be substituted,” he defended his choices during the game.
Upcoming Matches
Santos will look to rebound from this setback in their next fixtures:
| Match | Date | Time (Brasília) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grêmio vs. Santos | May 23, 2023 | 19:00 | Arena do Grêmio, Porto Alegre (RS) |
| Santos vs. Deportivo Cuenca-EQU | May 26, 2023 | 21:30 | Vila Belmiro, Santos (SP) |
Santos’ Current Standing
The draw against San Lorenzo leaves Santos in a precarious position in Group D, sitting last with four points. The team’s hopes of advancing directly to the knockout stage seem bleak. They will need a victory against Deportivo Cuenca and assistance from other results to have any chance of progressing to the playoffs.
