Cuca Weighs Neymar Decision Ahead of Palmeiras Match
Cuca weighing up Neymar call as Allianz Parque trip looms
Santos head coach Cuca says he has not yet decided whether Neymar will face Palmeiras on the controversial artificial surface at Allianz Parque, insisting the call will only be made after fresh talks inside the dressing room.
Speaking about the squad’s condition and his star forward’s status ahead of a daunting away fixture, Cuca told ESPN Brazil he needs one more look at his players.
"I don't have an answer to that yet, but tomorrow when we report back, we'll see how the whole squad is doing. I'm going to talk to him tomorrow and with the entire squad so we can decide what to do," he said.
He knows exactly what awaits on Wednesday.
"The match against Palmeiras is going to be very tough; they are a very good side, and it's impossible to deny they are the favourites. But we'll work hard to do our best on Wednesday."
The pitch is at the heart of the story. Neymar’s resistance to synthetic turf hardened after an ankle sprain against Atletico Mineiro, an injury that sparked a furious outburst online.
"It's proven, synthetic is absolute s***," he posted on social media, making his stance crystal clear.
That frustration has not faded. Asked in the mixed zone after Santos’ 2-1 Copa Sudamericana win over Macara about the prospect of lining up against Palmeiras, Neymar refused to commit.
"Man, are you already thinking about that? Calm down, there's a game on Sunday. I don't know [if I'll play on synthetic turf]," he replied, batting the question away.
The doubts echo comments he has made before about Allianz Parque and its surface.
"Playing at Allianz, for me, is impossible. Playing on a 7-a-side surface is something that bothers any player, regardless of injuries. Morumbi is very good, and I feel better there. I feel good on that pitch."
So Cuca walks into the week with a dilemma: risk his biggest name on a surface the player openly detests, or leave him out for one of the toughest away days in Brazilian football.
