New coach for Neymar! Brazilian superstar sends touching message to Pedro Caixinha as Santos boss is sacked after just four months in charge

On Monday, Santos revealed that Caixinha had been dismissed, with the Brazilian giants currently third from bottom in Serie A.

Santos FC tweeted: "Santos Futebol Clube announces that coach Pedro Caixinha is no longer in charge of the professional team. Along with him, assistant coaches Pedro Malta and José Pratas, physical trainer Guilherme Gomes, and goalkeeper coach José Belman are leaving the Club. Assistant coach César Sampaio will take over on an interim basis. The board of directors would like to thank the professional and wish him success in his continued career."

Caixinha was in charge when Neymar re-joined Santos in January from Al-Hilal and while they weren't together for long, it appears they had a good relationship.

In his Instagram story, the 33-year-old posted a picture of the two hugging and wrote: "Mister, it was a great pleasure working with you. I wish you much success in your life, thank you for everything."

Instagram

Santos were only promoted back to the Brazilian top-flight last year but clearly the club's board are not happy with their league position of 18th after just three matches. They have decided to act swiftly, despite only appointing Caixinha in December 2024, in a bid to boost their survival hopes - with Neymar likely to be key in that goal.

Assistant coach César Sampaio will take charge of Santos' next league game on April 17 at home to fellow strugglers Atletico Mineiro. The search for a new coach will be underway.