Cuca Revives Pelé’s Method at Santos: ‘This Is the Only Way’

Things feel a bit different at CT Rei Pelé these days, but the vibe is good. Walk into Santos FC’s training complex lately, and you’ll see something straight out of the old stories. Cuca, the veteran coach with a golden resume that speaks for itself in Brazilian soccer, has literally turned back the clock. He’s overhauled the training schedule with 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 moved training to the early morning. No more sluggish afternoons in the blazing heat—now it’s about putting in work as the sun comes up. It’s a move you only make if you truly know the club’s history. And Cuca knows it. He’s tapping into the old Pelecanus era, the nickname given to this training method back in the ‘60s. Back then, it was standard to be on the field before sunrise—a rhythm that demanded discipline and dedication. I can just hear the old-timers chuckling: “Finally, these kids today have no idea what hard work really means.” But it’s working. It’s forging a bond, a sense of unity you can’t force.

The best part? The stars of today are embracing this throwback style. Neymar is known for enjoying the nightlife, but even he was the first one on the field this week. No complaints, no drama. He grabbed the chance to show he’s still carrying the legacy of the Pelerine—the traditional cape that symbolizes the elegance and status of the playmaker. That’s no small thing. Neymar isn’t just the star player; he’s now the leader on the pitch showing that this change isn’t a punishment, but a tribute.

The April marathon and missing a top player

The timing of Cuca’s move is no coincidence. Santos is facing a brutal schedule in April. We’re talking about a marathon of games that will push the squad to its limits. Weeks of playing three times a week—it takes a toll. And then there’s the news that Neymar will miss part of that stretch due to international duty. No panic, though. We knew that was coming. But it makes Cuca’s decision all the more logical. He’s building an iron foundation now, so the team doesn’t crumble when the big names are away.

• Physical readiness: By moving training earlier, Cuca is forcing players to adjust their lifestyles. No more late nights—full focus on recovery.
• Mental toughness: This isn’t a popular choice, but it’s one that molds a group. If you can’t handle it, you’re not built for a 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 jersey.

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 looking at 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 guys. Not through long speeches, but by having them on the field at 6:00 AM, in the same morning mist where Pelé once perfected his craft.

So yeah, the outside world can laugh at these “old-school” methods. But I’ve seen it happen too many times. When you have a group that comes together through these sacrifices, that puts in the work in the pouring rain or at daybreak, you become unstoppable. It’s more than a training schedule; it’s a statement. Santos is ready. And Cuca? He knows he’s walking the only path that matters: the one paved by the King.