Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Mark Walker

Alfredo Morelos suffers nightmare Santos debut with manager now facing the sack

Alfredo Morelos suffered a nightmare debut for his new club Santos after a heavy home defeat.

And his relegation-haunted club look set to axe their manager after just five games in charge which would leave them looking for their fourth boss of the season.

The former Rangers striker finally found a new team this month and signed for Pele's old club Santos. But one of the world's most historical clubs have fallen on hard times.

Morelos made his first appearance for over three months as he came on as a late sub with his team already 2-0 down with just 13 minutes left to Cruzeiro.

And in front of only 12,244 fans, they conceded another goal to lose 3-0.

They are now four points from safety in the relegation zone in the Brazilian Serie A and the club have demanded an urgent meeting with manager Diego Aguirre this weekend.

The Uruguayan manager has only been in charge for five matches and just over a month, but he looks set to become the third manager dismissed from Santos already this season.

He said: "It's difficult to find positive things when we suffer this defeat at home. It's an ugly situation.

"I understand the fans are suffering. We have to think about winning the next game, there's nothing else to talk about.

"If I didn't believe it was possible we would escape relegation I wouldn't be here. We lack chemistry, we concede a goal and we get nervous, we miss easy chances.

"The responsibility obviously lies with the coaching staff and the players, everyone. I knew that when I took the team, they were in the relegation zone, It is an ugly and uncomfortable situation."

Santos now face a must-win game on Monday against Bahia, who are two places above them.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.