After winning the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday night, Santos will now represent South America at the annual tournament, which this year takes place in Japan. The Brazilian side could potentially face European heavyweights Barcelona, and Ramalho wants to make sure his side can put up a fight by keeping their team together.
“There are many teams interested in our players, and this victory [in the Copa Libertadores] highlights why," he said. “I know we will have some difficulties in resuming the Brasileirão and building a squad for the Club World Cup. Our players are highly valued and there is a lot of speculation, but we will try to keep everyone here."
Despite the ominous task of a potential clash with Barcelona, Ramalho says his players will be motivated. “All the players dream of playing in the [Club] World Cup, even against Barcelona," he continued. “There is no way around it. We want to challenge Barcelona, who are the best team in the world at the moment.
“I think that this challenge will motivate the players, and therefore we will give it everything we have to win."
Santos will be looking to bring new players in, with Maikon Leite having left to join Palmeiras and Ze Eduardo set to complete his switch to Genoa. The likes of Neymar, Ganso and Danilo all continue to be linked with big clubs in Europe.
