Santos in Negotiation for Venue Change Against Ceará
The Santos Football Club has decided to change the venue for their match against Ceará, which is part of the eighth round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. Initially scheduled to take place at Pacaembu, the game is now being negotiated to occur at Allianz Parque in São Paulo. This decision comes after complications with Pacaembu’s management regarding necessary guarantees for hosting the event, despite claims of having a valid permit until September.
To ensure a suitable alternative, Santos’ management reached out to Leila Pereira, the president of Palmeiras, and the company WTorre, responsible for managing Allianz Parque. The intention is to keep the match in São Paulo and commence ticket sales promptly, as the game is slated for next Monday, May 13.
If the agreement is finalized, it will mark the first time in 2025 that Santos will play as the home team in São Paulo. Previously, the club attempted to host a match in the capital during the Campeonato Paulista, but negotiations fell through. Current hopes are high for a swift resolution to finalize logistics for the upcoming match.
Return to Training
Santos has returned to training at the Rei Pelé Training Center, focusing on preparation for the showdown against Ceará. The session included the return of forward Gabriel Veron, who had faced disciplinary action after missing a practice the previous Saturday. He was fined 30% of his salary and omitted from the squad for the match against Grêmio. Following his reintegration into training, Veron’s future at the club remains uncertain, with a loan termination with Porto being a possibility under consideration.
This week marks the first full training cycle under coach Cleber Xavier, who had previously directed the team in two matches, resulting in a draw and a loss. The coach has identified key challenges such as offensive inefficacy, defensive lapses, and players’ physical fatigue. The medical department continues to monitor players in recovery. Notably, Zé Rafael is nearing the end of rehabilitation following spinal surgery and has resumed training with the ball, while forward Guilherme is still undergoing physiotherapy, and Álvaro Barreal is in a physical transition, with both to miss upcoming games.
With only four points in seven rounds, Santos sits in the penultimate position in the Campeonato Brasileiro, raising the stakes for them to secure positive results. The upcoming match against Ceará is viewed as crucial for shifting their trajectory and alleviating the pressure on both the team and coaching staff. A focus on tactical adjustments by Cleber Xavier and the return of key players could prove vital in enhancing performance on the field.
Barreal’s Situation
Santos is eager for the return of Álvaro Barreal, who has recuperated from a left adductor muscle injury and participated actively in technical drills. As a regular starter for much of the season, Barreal could vitalize an attacking lineup that is currently one of the weakest in the tournament.
Zé Rafael also continues to advance in his recovery, having been reintegrated into ball training, with imminent prospects for his return to match action. His presence is deemed critical to stabilizing Santos’ midfield, which has struggled with both creativity and defense. The recovery of these significant players could provide a much-needed boost for a team that currently finds itself in 19th place in the league standings.
Scheduled to play against Ceará on Monday (May 12) at 8 PM, Santos is considering transferring the match to the capital to attract a larger audience and generate increased revenue. This decision could play a strategic role in the club’s endeavor to secure a victory and move out of the relegation zone, instilling hope for a turnaround in their performance.