Santos FC Parts Ways with Coach after 6-0 Defeat

Sao Paulo, Aug 18 (AP) Santos has parted ways with coach Cleber Xavier following a crushing 6-0 home defeat to Vasco Da Gama, a match after which Neymar was seen leaving the field in tears.

"The club thanks the coach for his services," Santos stated regarding Xavier, who had been at the helm since April, "and wishes him luck as he continues his career."

This loss on Sunday has left Santos — renowned for being the club of Brazilian legend Pele and current star Neymar — languishing in 15th place in the 20-team Brazilian top flight, sitting just two points clear of relegation danger.

Neymar was seen being consoled on the field by a member of Santos' backroom team after Vasco's Philippe Coutinho netted twice in the encounter.

The 33-year-old Neymar, who previously played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, returned to Santos, his boyhood club, in January following a less impactful period in Saudi Arabia. In June, he signed a contract extension that ties him to the club until year's end. (AP) UNG

(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)