Luis Álvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro was in charge of Santos between 2009 and 2013, but had to leave the post following health issues.
Under his command, Santos won the Copa Libertadores, Recopa Sul-Americana, Copa do Brasil and three state-league titles. The coach was also marked by some controversies, especially in everything involving the transfer of Neymar to Barcelona, and is not in good terms with the player"s father. LAOR, as he"s known, told ESPN Brasil: “Recalling that last year the player had missed almost 50% of the games for our club, due to the Brazilian national team. And when the player does not want to play for the club, no use in insisting, because he will not play with the same love and the same passion he had before. I asked Neymar where he wanted to play and he told me it was in Barcelona."
He added: “Little did I know before the final in Japan [Club World Cup 2011], his father had been committed to the Spanish club and received money. We played the final with a player of Santos receiving money from our opponent. Money in Neymar"s pocket influenced his performances for Santos from then on. I have no doubt about it. No doubt. He was not the same playful player who"d go up against his opponents. He was counting the minutes to get out."
Luis Álvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro was in charge of Santos between 2009 and 2013, but had to leave the post following health issues.
Under his command, Santos won the Copa Libertadores, Recopa Sul-Americana, Copa do Brasil and three state-league titles. The coach was also marked by some controversies, especially in everything involving the transfer of Neymar to Barcelona, and is not in good terms with the player"s father. LAOR, as he"s known, told ESPN Brasil: “Recalling that last year the player had missed almost 50% of the games for our club, due to the Brazilian national team. And when the player does not want to play for the club, no use in insisting, because he will not play with the same love and the same passion he had before. I asked Neymar where he wanted to play and he told me it was in Barcelona."
He added: “Little did I know before the final in Japan [Club World Cup 2011], his father had been committed to the Spanish club and received money. We played the final with a player of Santos receiving money from our opponent. Money in Neymar"s pocket influenced his performances for Santos from then on. I have no doubt about it. No doubt. He was not the same playful player who"d go up against his opponents. He was counting the minutes to get out."
