'He’s one of the best in the world, I want to help him' - Santos' new manager Pablo Vojvoda aims to bring Neymar back to his best

Santos have turned to Argentine coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda to try to rescue their season after parting ways with Cléber Xavier. The former Fortaleza boss immediately touched on the club’s most pressing subject: Neymar.

The Brazilian star returned to Vila Belmirohoping to revive his career, but injuries have kept him sidelined and even out of the national team picture. Despite the difficult circumstances, Vojvoda expressed confidence in the forward’s ability to change games.

“Neymar is a decisive player. He’s not a problem, he’s not just another footballer - he’s one of the best in the world. I want to help him,” Vojvoda said at his introduction. “I’m sure I’ll also learn a lot from him. He loves Santos, and Santos loves him.”

The 49-year-old coach arrives after leaving Fortaleza in late July, where he made history by qualifying the modest club from Brazil’s northeast to the Copa Libertadores in 2022, 2023, and 2025, and reaching the Copa Sudamericana final in 2023. Now, he faces the challenge of lifting Santos, who sit 15th in the table with 21 points from 20 matches - just two above the relegation zone currently occupied by Vitória, Juventude, Fortaleza, and Recife.

"This is a source of pride for me, for my family, and especially for my father, who always spoke to me about Pelé,” Vojvoda added.

Neymar is currently recovering from a hip edema and has been training separately, though he is expected to return on Aug. 31 against Flamengo. 

Vojvoda will make his own debut on the Santos bench this Sunday.