Souza has been the vocal point of the squad this season inspiring the side to challenge for the Brazilian Campeonato title.
Since Gomes suffered the stroke, Vasco have been playing well and Souza believes the squad are using his inspirational and ongoing recovery to continue good results on the pitch.
Diego Souza said: “Ricardo Gomes made Vasco the team it is today. He assembled a strong squad who are playing well.
“Now thank god, he is improving. Let’s get this title for him, let’s give the maximum.”
Since Gomes has been in hospital, former assistant coach Cristovao Borges has took over the first team and prevented them from slipping down the league. He has had a lot of reponsibility on shoulders but he relishing the challenge.
Borges said: “It has been very difficult, very difficult indeed, But the biggest comfort I take in my work is that it is a challenge.
“But importantly, I have a great relationship with the players and that helps.”
