Força Guilherme: Santos women's manager battles cancer

Topics: Guilherme Giudice, Santos, Santos women, Campeonato Brasileiro de Futebol Femenino, Sandra de Santos, Larissa Pereira da Cruz

In general, the turn of the year translates into hope and prosperity for the future. In most cases, people make resolutions to test and better themselves. Resolutions usually range from eating healthier to exercising more, controlling cravings and even getting more sleep.

But Santos women's head coach Guilherme Giudice has a resolution that will be tougher than most: overcome cancer.

Guilherme's diagnosis arrived in January and he was told by doctors that he had cancer of the neck and retroperitoneum (anatomical space behind the abdominal cavity).

Nonetheless, the Brazilian manager went on to lead his team to win three Campeonato Brasileiro de Futebol Femenino matches. However, he was advised to not travel south for Santos' fourth league match against Gremio. As advised, Guilherme did not travel with the team to proceed with his ongoing chemotherapy treatment. Santos assistant coach Sandra dos Santos took charge instead.

But this did not negatively affect the players. His absence, in fact, inspired the Santos players to win at all costs, and they did 2-0. The team's #9, Larissa Pereira da Cruz, scored the second goal and dedicated it to her manager.

Guilherme Giudice was advised to miss the trip to Grêmio at the last minute as he battles cancer. His influence, however, wasn't missing@SantosFC dazzled & won. Mermaid No9 dedicated her golaço to her coach @BRFeminino:
4 matches
4 wins
0 goals conceded#ForcaGuilherme https://t.co/g6dELO7UOw
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) March 1, 2020

Guilherme will remain in charge of daily operations and will be a key figure in preparing the team for the remainder of the season. Santos has been providing all the necessary support for the coach. The club's medical department will keep monitoring the evolution of his treatment daily throughout the upcoming two months.