Neymar Faces Setback at Santos as Coach Caixinha Gets Sacked

Neymar return to Santos has hit a roadblock after the club sacked head coach Pedro Caixinha following a 1–0 loss to Fluminense. Caixinha managed just 6 wins in 17 games and left after only 112 days in charge. Former Brazil coaches Dorival Júnior and Tite are early candidates to replace him.

After the much-anticipated return of Neymar to Santos, the excitement quickly turned to disappointment as the club's poor start to the 2025 Brasileirao season led to the sacking of head coach Pedro Caixinha. The Portuguese manager was dismissed following a stoppage-time 1-0 defeat to Fluminense, leaving Santos winless after three games with one draw and two losses.

Caixinha had only been in charge for 112 days, registering 6 wins, 4 draws, and 7 losses across 17 matches in all competitions. His dismissal continues a worrying trend at the club, he was Santos’ 12th coach since 2020. The board announced that assistant coach Cesar Sampaio would take over temporarily. Meanwhile, former Brazil managers Dorival Júnior and Tite are being considered as potential replacements, though neither has confirmed interest.

The coaching change comes at a crucial time with a key fixture against Atletico Mineiro approaching. Neymar, who had been sidelined for over a month with an injury, made his return against Fluminense but couldn’t prevent the loss. With the team currently at the bottom of the table, pressure is mounting on Santos to act swiftly and revive their season before it slips further out of control.