Despite Neymar scoring a brace in Santos’ most recent win, the club continues to struggle in the Brasileirao, currently sitting 15th and flirting with the relegation zone. To reverse their fortunes, reports suggest that the Peixe are eyeing a high-profile managerial change, targeting a former Argentina national team coach who once worked with Lionel Messi.
In their first season back in Brazil’s top flight following the club’s historic first relegation, Santos have failed to find consistent form, even with Neymar’s high-profile return earlier this year. Cleber Xavier, appointed in April after Pedro Caixinha’s dismissal, has led the team to just 4 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses in 13 games, casting doubt over his long-term future with the club.
According to Argentine outlet Diario Olé, Santos have opened talks with Jorge Sampaoli about taking over as head coach. The Argentine tactician, who briefly coached Santos in 2019, is currently a free agent and reportedly interested in returning to the club.
Sampaoli was appointed to lead Argentina ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, following a successful stint with Chile that included winning the 2015 Copa América. However, his time with the Albiceleste was marked by internal conflicts and disappointing results, including reported tensions with Messi that fractured the squad.
Most recently, Sampaoli had a brief and underwhelming stint at French club Stade Rennais, where he was dismissed in January after managing just 10 matches, winning three and losing seven. Now out of work, he is being viewed as a serious candidate to guide Neymar and the struggling Santos squad.
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Sampaoli’s complicated history with Santos
Despite leaving on a sour note, Sampaoli’s lone season with Santos in 2019 was impressive. He led the club to a second-place finish in the Brasileirao behind champions Flamengo and secured a spot in the Copa Libertadores, a strong return from a tactical perspective.
However, his exit from the club was far from smooth. After managing 64 matches with a record of 34 wins, 15 draws, and 15 losses, Sampaoli demanded a substantial payout from Santos over unpaid performance-related bonuses. The club refused, citing that certain contractual clauses had not been met, which led Sampaoli to take legal action against the organization.
In court, Santos were dealt a significant financial blow, as they were ordered to fulfill their economic obligations. To settle the dispute with the Argentine coach, the club was forced to pay Sampaoli $800,000, effectively closing the chapter on his contentious exit.
