Vojvoda eyes key Neymar partnership at Santos: "He'll be decisive" | OneFootball

Juan Pablo Vojvoda was officially introduced as Santos' coach on Tuesday, at Vila Belmiro. The Argentine commander highlighted his joy in being able to lead the team of Pelé.

"It's an honor for me and my family. My father used to talk a lot about Pelé. It's an honor to work at a club like Santos. It's a global brand. I'll get to know it day by day, but already in the first communication with Mattos I felt something special with Santos," he said.

"I don't want to sell something that isn't. I want to walk with you, with the club, with the president, Mattos, and mainly the players. It's a club that lives football. That's the essence of football, passion. Santos is that story, the base, the humility, combined with the desire to want to grow and have the best players. We'll look for that balance," he added.

Vojvoda also spoke about Neymar, the main star of the current alvinegro squad. He didn't hide his admiration for the midfielder. The coach's idea is to have the 33-year-old player as a key piece of the club and wants to find ways to help him.

"Neymar, I imagine him as decisive, who enjoys playing football, is a player who makes us enjoy. Few players have that ability. Football is that. He will determine the players. I'll learn from him. I'll learn how it is to be with a player like Neymar, who isn't just any player. He's one of the best in the world. I'll help. I want to help," he said.

"Santos wants him and Neymar wants Santos. He chose at a moment in his career and life to return to Santos. For me, those things have a very important value. He can play in any position. I'll try to get to know him. Where can he perform? Who can help him? It's a challenge for my career too. The solution has to come from me with his help. He can play as a 9 or a 10. He wants the ball. My kids are fans of his. Neymar helps," he added.

However, the Argentine avoided talking about the physical condition of the number 10, who felt discomfort in his thigh last week.

"We're talking to the club's staff. I want to attend the training sessions, talk. The main conversation will have to be with Neymar. We know what Neymar means to Santos and Brazil. I want to provoke help from a player of Neymar's size," he said.

Besides Vojvoda, assistants Nahuel Martinez and Gáston Liendo, goalkeeper coach Santiago Piccinini, physical trainer Luis Azpiazu, and psychologist Christian Rodrigues also arrive at Santos.

"I have a technical committee of six people with me. Me as the coach, two assistants, a physical trainer, a goalkeeper coach, and a psychologist. The conversation with Santos was very open. I said I had my committee. The ones from Santos are excellent professionals and I'll incorporate them. We should work together. They're within my protection," he reported.

Vojvoda's debut is expected to be against Fluminense, in front of the Santos fans at Vila Belmiro. The match is scheduled for next Sunday, at 4 pm, also for the Brasileirão.

Vojvoda arrives at Santos to replace Cleber Xavier. The coach was fired from the command of Peixe after the 6-0 thrashing suffered against Vasco, at Morumbi, for the Brazilian Championship.

The Alvinegro Praiano is in 15th place, with 21 points, two more than Vitória, which opens the relegation zone.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.