Cuca revives Pelé’s old-school method at Santos: ‘This is the only way’

It takes some getting used to at the CT Rei Pelé, but the vibes are good. If you’ve popped by Santos FC’s training ground recently, you’d have spotted something we usually only hear about in old stories. Cuca, the seasoned coach with a golden touch and a track record that speaks for itself in Brazilian football, has literally turned back the clock. He’s given the training schedule a major shake-up, using a method that dates back to the glory days of the greatest player to ever wear the Santos jersey: Pelé.

Early risers, just like the old days

Cuca has shifted training to the early morning. No more sluggish afternoons under the scorching sun – it’s about putting in the work as dawn breaks. It’s a move you only dare to make if you truly understand the club’s history. And Cuca does. He’s drawing on the old Pelecanus era, the affectionate nickname for the training method back in the ‘60s. Back then, it was all about being on the pitch before sunrise, a routine that demanded discipline and dedication. I can just hear the old guard chuckling: “Finally, these lads today don’t know what hard graft is.” But it works. It builds a bond, a sense of unity you just can’t force.

The best part? The current stars are embracing this old-school vibe. Neymar is known for enjoying the nightlife, but even he was the first on the pitch this week. No complaints, no drama. He seized the moment to show he still carries the legacy of the Pelerine – the traditional cape symbolising the elegance and status of the playmaker. That’s no small thing. Neymar isn’t just the star player; he’s now the captain on the pitch, showing everyone that this change isn’t a punishment, but a tribute.

The April marathon and the absence of a key player

Cuca’s timing is no coincidence. Santos is facing a gruelling schedule in April. We’re talking about a marathon of matches that will really test the squad. Weeks of playing three times a week takes its toll. And then there’s the news that Neymar will miss part of this stretch due to international duty. No need to panic, though. We already knew that. But it makes Cuca’s decision even more logical. He’s building an iron foundation now, so the team doesn’t crumble the moment the big names are away.

• Physical readiness: By moving training earlier, Cuca is forcing the players to adjust their lifestyle. No more late nights – it’s all about recovery.
• Mental toughness: This isn’t a popular choice, but it’s one that forges a team. If you can’t handle it, you’re not cut out for the title fight.
• Tradition as a weapon: At CT Rei Pelé, they’re channeling the spirit of the King. It’s not just about tactics; it’s about understanding the weight of the shirt.

I often think about what Wayne Rooney once said about the English way of training: “It’s not about the clock, it’s about the will.” Cuca has brought that will back to the coast of São Paulo. He’s not looking at what’s trendy in Europe; he’s focused on what works for Santos. And what works is the legacy of Pelé: Birth of a Legend. That film, which portrays a young Pelé, shows exactly what it’s all about: a kid who started with nothing and became an icon through pure passion and discipline. That’s the story Cuca is trying to sell to his squad. Not through long speeches, but by getting them on the pitch at 6:00 AM, in the same morning mist where Pelé once perfected his tricks.

So yes, the outside world might laugh at these “old-fashioned” methods. But I’ve seen it happen too many times. When you have a group that makes these sacrifices together, that puts in the hard yards come rain or shine, at the break of dawn, you become unbeatable. It’s more than a training schedule; it’s a statement. Santos is ready for it. And Cuca? He knows he’s walking the only path that matters: the one paved by the King.