Pedro Caixinha, the head coach of Santos, is feeling the heat after his team’s disappointing start to the Brasileirão season. Following a 1-0 defeat against Fluminense at the iconic Maracanã Stadium on April 13, 2025, Caixinha took full responsibility for the poor performance, which has left Santos languishing in the relegation zone with just one point from three matches.
In an honest post-match assessment, Caixinha stated, "Nothing worked as planned for the game." He elaborated on the tactical failures that plagued the Peixe, saying, "We wanted to create numerical superiority in the midfield against Fluminense, but we couldn't find those spaces to have more control of the game." The coach’s frustration was palpable as he reflected on the match, noting that his team struggled to execute their game plan effectively.
The match itself was a tough contest, with Santos facing an uphill battle from the start. Fluminense dominated possession early on, while Santos found it challenging to organize themselves and threaten the opposition's goal. The Tricolor das Laranjeiras, despite their control, failed to create clear chances in the first half, with attempts from Hércules and Martinelli going wide.
It wasn’t until the dying moments of the game that Fluminense broke the deadlock. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Samuel Xavier unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that deflected off a Santos defender, leaving goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão with no chance to save it. This late goal secured a crucial three points for Fluminense, who now sit in fifth place in the league standings with six points.
Santos, on the other hand, finds themselves in a precarious position. With only one point from three matches—following a 2-1 loss to Vasco in their opener and a 2-2 draw against Bahia—the pressure is mounting on Caixinha. The team’s lack of offensive presence and inability to maintain possession have raised concerns among fans and analysts alike.
Caixinha acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, "The results speak for themselves. We have to take responsibility for this poor start." He emphasized the need for improvement, particularly in creating offensive opportunities. "We wanted to create numerical superiority in the midfield, but we didn’t manage to do that. When you don’t have the ball, it’s tough to create chances," he lamented.
In a bid to shake things up, Caixinha made several substitutions during the match, including bringing on Neymar, who returned to the squad after a brief absence. However, despite these changes, Santos struggled to make an impact. Neymar had a few opportunities but was unable to convert them into goals, and the team failed to capitalize on his presence.
Looking ahead, Santos will face Atlético-MG on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 21:30 (Brasília time) in a crucial match at Vila Belmiro. The team will be desperate for a victory to alleviate the mounting pressure on Caixinha and to start climbing out of the relegation zone.
As the new season progresses, Santos fans are left wondering if the team can turn their fortunes around. With the next match looming, Caixinha remains hopeful, stating, "I believe in this group and our ability to turn things around. We need to work hard and stay focused." However, the clock is ticking, and the upcoming games could prove decisive for both the team’s standing and Caixinha’s future as head coach.
In summary, the defeat against Fluminense has highlighted the challenges facing Santos this season. With tactical missteps and a lack of offensive firepower, the Peixe must regroup quickly to avoid a season of struggle. The next match against Atlético-MG offers a chance for redemption, but it remains to be seen whether Caixinha’s side can rise to the occasion and secure their first win of the season.
