Santos say Barcelona friendly wasn't a mistake

Odilio Rodrigues, vice-president of Santos, doesn’t regret arranging the friendly against Barcelona which the Brazilian football club lost 8-0.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Rodrigues responded to criticism he has faced since the exit of star striker Neymar and coach Muricy Ramalho. Other board members have asked him to step down from his position at the club, reports Xinhua.

“Santos Football Club doesn’t regret the friendly, only the way we lost the match. We understand that friendly matches help our progress.

“Barcelona are ahead of us in terms of tactical and technical quality. The protest is valid, criticisms are valid,” he said.

Santos have suffered since the exit of the 21-year-old Neymar, sold for approximately $66 million. The club currently lies 14th in the Brazilian league table.