- Neymar breaks down after defeat
- Coutinho scored twice
- Xavier sacked after 6-0 defeat
Neymar was seen crying after his Santos side suffered an embarrassing 6-0 defeat at the hands of Vasco da Gama, one of their relegation rivals in the Brazilian Serie A. The loss leaves them 15th, only two points ahead of their opponents, and manager Xavier has now been given the boot due to their lowly standing in the division.
Neymar signed a new contract with Santos in June but this was the worst defeat of his playing career so far, having to be consoled by a member of staff at full time. Things seemed to be looking up for the Vila Belmiro side after back-to-back wins over Juventude and Cruzeiro, but this hefty defeat convinced officials in the boardroom to sack Xavier, who was only appointed in April earlier this year.
A statement from the club reads: “Santos FC announces the departure of coach Cleber Xavier. The club thanks him for his service and wishes him well in his future career.”
Neymar posted a story to his Instagram with the caption “Santos nao merece isso”, which translates to “Santos doesn’t deserve this”.
Neymar’s previous worst defeats were a pair of 4-0 losses in 2011 and 2017, firstly seeing his Santos team demolished by Barcelona before being rag-dolled by Paris Saint-Germain six years later with the Blaugrana.
Neymar will await news of his next manager with Santos hoping to appoint a new coach who can lead them away from the relegation zone. They are only two points ahead of 17th-placed Vitoria having played a game fewer.
