According to reports, Neymar’s struggles at Santos FC are escalating. Poor results led to the dismissal of Portuguese manager Pedro Caixinha, which the club announced on Monday. César Sampaio, previously Caixinha’s assistant, has taken temporary charge of the team.

Reports suggest Santos has contacted Dorival Júnior and Tite, former Brazil national team coaches currently without a team. Tite has been in negotiations since leaving Flamengo last September, but Globo Esporte claims both coaches rejected the offer.

Caixinha joined Santos in January and managed only six wins, three draws, and seven losses in 16 matches. He led the team to the semifinals of the Paulista Championship, where they were eliminated by Corinthians, and they currently sit in the relegation zone (18th place) in the Brazilian Serie A.

They have yet to secure a win, with one draw and two losses. The latest defeat came against Fluminense on Sunday, accelerating events at Santos, and the board decided to part ways with Caixinha.

Santos released this statement on social media: “Santos FC announces that Pedro Caixinha will no longer lead the professional team. His assistants, including Pedro Malta, José Pratas, Guilherme Gomes (fitness coach), and José Belman (goalkeeper coach), are also leaving. César Sampaio will take temporary charge. The board thanks the coach and wishes him success in his future career.”

Neymar also bid farewell to Caixinha on social media: “Dear coach, working with you was a great honor. I wish you much success in life. Thank you for everything.”

The forward returned to action against Fluminense on Sunday after over a month out due to a muscle injury. This injury kept him out of Brazil’s national team and the Paulista semifinals, as well as the first two matches of the Brazilian Serie A.

Neymar has faced controversy in Brazil due to his appearances at various festivals, and now the dismissal of his coach and Santos’ instability seem to be affecting his situation, making his time in Brazil increasingly difficult.

The former Barcelona star had hoped to shine at Santos and return to European football, but the team’s current trajectory suggests his path will be far from smooth.