Santos coach Muricy Ramalho believes his team’s new signings mean they will be less reliant on Neymar this season.
Neymar, 20, is the hottest young talent in world football and a key part of Ramalho’s Santos team that have won the three consecutive Paulista championships, as well as the 2011 Copa Libertadores.
However, the forward is also a key member of the Brazil national side and his importance to the Seleção meant that he only managed to play in 17 Brasileirão games last season.
Ramalho believes that the signings of Walter Montillo, Neto, Guilherme Santos, Renê Júnior and Cícero will give the squad more depth so they don’t have to rely on the presence of Neymar.
“We are prepared, last year we had difficulties in the whole squad, lost a lot of players, some at the level of the Seleção, which you can not easily replace,” Ramalho told Lancenet!
“With Neymar we also suffered. Now, it’s a strong team with or without him. We are seeking balance. I do not like to depend too much of a player, it is very annoying when they are not available.
“We have a squad to play well until the end of the year, that makes a difference. We are seeking the positions we need, we should be similar last year. This team will give more results, have more technical quality.”
Santos begin their season away to São Bernardo this Saturday.
Source: Lancenet!
