• Home
    • Who Are We
    • USMNT Ramblings
    • Where Are They Now >
      • Mike Ammann
      • Chris Armas
      • Brian Bliss Part II
      • Petter Mellor
      • Gary Hamilton
      • John Robinson
    • My Club My Passion
  • Interviews
    • Robbie Mustoe
    • Cyle Larin
    • Daphne Corboz
    • Neil Stafford
    • Eric DaCosta
    • Ian McIntyre
    • Keidane McAlpine
    • David DiIanni
    • Keelin Winters
    • Rachel Daly
    • Arie Ammann
    • Andres Deza
    • EPL 2013 Steve Coxon
    • EPL 2013 Jeremy Melul
    • EPL 2013 Jim McGirr
    • EPL 2013 Elie Monteiro
    • EPL 2013 Lee Billiard
    • EPL 2013 Brian Tompkins
    • Derek Canavaggio
    • Dante Marini
    • Katy Freels
    • Lee Billiard - NWSL
    • Caitlin Foord
    • Sophie Schmidt
    • Jill Loyden
    • Brittany Bock
    • Veronica Perez
    • Kate Deines
    • Brendan Schimmel
    • Gerry Marrone
    • Lee Billiard
  • Extra Time
  • Off The Ball
  • Five For Friday
    • Gary Curneen
    • Dave Clarke
    • Andrew Kean
    • Dan Abrahams
    • Dave Hannigan
Soccer Banter

Congratulations and Bye Bye!

6/24/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
Santos supporters are probably still nursing the biggest hangover in recent times after last Wednesday’s re-conquest of Copa Libertadores, the most-coveted trophy in Latin American club football - after a goalless draw against Peñarol in Montevideo, Neymar and co. beat the Uruguayans 2-1 in Sao Paolo to give the Brazilians their third Libertadores Cup and the first since 1963. The headache, however, is also due to a comedown that reflects a reality in Brazilian football much different from the times Pele and other former Santos legends walked the pitch: Santos risks going to Japan in December for a possible mouth-watering showdown against Barcelona for the Fifa World Cup Club without not only their talismanic forward, but others members of the squad.

The trophy was still being paraded around the Pacaembu stadium when the Brazilian press started speculating about the next career moves for Neymar and midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso. Judging by rumors, both are set to join Real Madrid and Milan, respectively, but Santos’ directors are now trying to have both delay their move abroad at least till the January transfer window, albeit the official statements talk about Summer 2012. They argue that Neymar and Ganso are paid competitive wages (Neymar’s are estimated to be around £55k a week, for example) and thus should not rush to Europe.


Picture
Out of the two, however, only Neymar seems open to talks. Ganso has publicly declared his admiration for AC Milan and his desire to move after the Club World Cup, something that the player might not be able to choose in case the Italians up their game. Neymar, funny enough, seems to be the easier mission, for he appreciate the fact that Santos has been bending backwards to make him feel special – the club has even a special group of employees to look after the striker. The suspense will be enhanced by the fact both Neymar and Ganso are in the Brazilian squad for the Copa America, which starts next Friday.

Singling those two out as Santos problems would be as unfair as saying they won the Copa America by themselves. The success in the continental campaign will certainly enhance the profile of other squad members, like right-back Danilo, who scored the winner against Peñarol. Elano, who returned to domestic football after discreet spells at Manchester City and Galatasaray could reignite the interest of foreign clubs – especially now he’s back to the national team.

A lot of people, including rival supporters, might be crossing their fingers that Santos retains at least Neymar. A duel with Messi in Japan beckons...



0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Fernando Duarte

    Duarte is a UK-based Brazilian journalist who works as a correspondent for O Globo, one of of the leading daily newspapers in Latin America, and has also taken his banter to European vehicles such as The Guardian, World Soccer and the BBC. His dream midfield would have John, Paul, George and Zico.

    Follow on twitter:
    @Fernando_Duarte

    Archives

    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011

    Categories

    All
    Copa Libertadores
    Neymar
    Santos

    RSS Feed

Soccer Banter: Been Kicking Since March 1, 2011