Santos May Consider Rafael Guanaes Amid Controversy Surrounding Cuca
Santos face Internacional on Wednesday the 18th at 21:30 Brasília time. The match will take place at Vila Belmiro in the seventh round of the Brasileirão.
A loss or a draw could cost Juan Pablo Vojvoda his job. Club president Marcelo Teixeira is already evaluating replacement options.
Board preferences and fan reaction
Cuca is the leading internal favorite. He is available on the market and has three previous spells with the club.
But Marcelo Teixeira worries about fan reaction. Negative public response could derail a Cuca hire.
Legal controversy surrounding Cuca
Reports from Lucas Musetti for Filmogaz.com say Teixeira is cautious because of an old legal case. Alexi Stival was convicted in Switzerland in 1989 for rape in a trial held in absentia.
Recent judicial development
In 2024 the conviction was annulled. The annulment has not removed concerns among some supporters and club officials.
According to Musetti, Teixeira fears that signing Cuca could provoke strong backlash. The president will weigh reaction before making any formal offer.
Alternatives on the shortlist
With controversy surrounding Cuca, Santos is also monitoring Rafael Guanaes. The Mirassol coach became prominent after Mirassol’s 2025 Brasileirão campaign.
Rafael Guanaes is under contract with Mirassol until the end of the year. Club sources say he is a viable alternative if Vojvoda is dismissed.
Immediate team context
Vojvoda continues to test lineups ahead of the Internacional game. There are indications Rollheiser and Veríssimo could start.
The next 48 hours may decide Santos’ managerial future. Marcelo Teixeira must balance sporting urgency with potential off-field fallout.
