Coach for the next match, a truckload of money for Cléber Xavier and an invasion of the training center: the latest news from Santos

The last few days have been turbulent for Santos , which has been experiencing a series of critical events both on and off the field. The dismissal of coach Cléber Xavier after a humiliating defeat to Vasco triggered a crisis that also affected the stands and behind the scenes. Fan dissatisfaction culminated in a violent protest at CT Rei Pelé, as the club attempts to reorganize itself under the interim leadership of Matheus Bachi. In this summary, we gather the main events involving the club, its administrative decisions, and the tense atmosphere surrounding the team.

The 6-0 defeat to Vasco da Gama at Morumbis Stadium not only sealed Cléber Xavier's departure as Santos coach, but also had significant financial consequences for the club. The coach, who only managed the team for 15 matches, will leave Santos with a bill of just over R$1 million, equivalent to three R$350,000 salaries, according to the contract signed with the club.

Furthermore, there's a possibility the amount could increase if members of the coaching staff are also dismissed. The board, however, is seeking to retain Matheus Bachi and Fábio Mahseredjian, at least for now. This instability is just another chapter in a long series of coaching changes that have caused significant losses, such as the R$12.7 million demanded by Pedro Caixinha, who took his termination to FIFA.

This administrative crisis is not unprecedented at the club. Since 2022, Santos has already incurred high costs due to the dismissal of coaches such as Fabián Bustos, Fábio Carille, Diego Aguirre, among others. In many of these cases, the amounts exceeded millions, fueling liabilities that jeopardize the club's budget.

"Santos Futebol Clube announces the departure of coach Cléber Xavier. The club thanks the coach for his services and wishes him well in his future career."

Fans invade training center in protest after Vasco's defeat

The humiliating defeat to Vasco had an immediate impact off the field. On August 19, organized fans invaded the Rei Pelé training center during the squad's return. The incident was marked by tension, violence, and direct threats against players and officials, despite increased security from Santos' management.

Gates were broken down with fireworks, and fans gained access to the parking lot where the athletes' vehicles were kept. The protests were accompanied by chants such as "Shame on you, shameless team" and "Respect Santos, the greatest team in the world," directed primarily at the squad and board, including criticism of president Marcelo Teixeira.

Neymar , present at the scene, tried to talk to the fans, but was also subjected to harsh criticism. Football manager Alexandre Mattos was also at the forefront of the dialogue. The Military Police were called, but the fans had already dispersed by the end of the demonstration.

"You're making fun of us. What's happening here today is nothing. Can I tell you? You should be slapped in the face with an open hand. That's the reality."

Matheus Bachi takes over as interim manager of Santos

Faced with the crisis, Santos acted quickly to appoint a temporary replacement as head coach. Matheus Bachi, son of renowned coach Tite and former assistant to Cléber Xavier, was chosen as interim coach. He was scheduled to lead training on the afternoon of August 19th, with his full focus on the match against Bahia.

Despite his youth, Bachi draws on the experience he gained alongside his father and his work as an assistant coach, factors that influenced the board's decision. The idea is to maintain a degree of continuity and avoid a sudden rupture while the club continues its search for a permanent position.

The match against Bahia is seen as an important test. The club needs to score points to avoid worsening the technical and institutional crisis that has already set in. Matheus Bachi, albeit on an interim basis, is responsible for reorganizing the group and preventing instability from contaminating the locker room.

Even without a decision on his permanence, Bachi's command is seen as an emergency measure to contain the damage and offer a minimum of stability while Santos tries to turn the page after yet another turbulent episode in its recent trajectory.