“Lies were told!” “People will only remember this because Mister Guardiola has much more power than me”-Man City LoaneeCancelo has opened up on his exit from Man City and what exactly went down. Safe to say he won’t be returning when his loan ends this summer
In a passionate and candid interview with Portuguese media outlets, Joao Cancelo didn’t mince his words when discussing his time at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola’s management.
The 29-year-old full-back, who last graced the pitch for the Citizens in January of the previous year, has since found himself on loan at La Liga side Barcelona for the duration of the current season.
Reports surfaced of a tense confrontation between Guardiola and Cancelo during a training session, stemming from the player’s frustration over being overlooked in favor of Nathan Ake and Rico Lewis. This alleged altercation highlighted Cancelo’s dissatisfaction with his lack of playing time.
On January 31, 2023, Cancelo surprised many by signing with Bundesliga outfit Bayern Munich, a move that came as a shock following City’s decision to offload Oleksandr Zinchenko the previous summer.
According to sources, Cancelo’s behavior reportedly clashed with Guardiola’s ‘no bad faces policy,’ and there were concerns about his attentiveness during tactical meetings and adherence to instructions on the field.
Following his departure from Manchester City, Cancelo has been vocal about his desire for regular first-team action, with his most recent interview with Portuguese publication A Bola showcasing his frustration with claims that he mishandled his exclusion from the team.
Reacting to reports of Guardiola’s dissatisfaction with his attitude, Cancelo vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he had always been a supportive teammate. He expressed feeling undervalued by the club, citing his unwavering commitment and sacrifices made, including playing through personal adversity.
Addressing his unexpected loan spells, Cancelo admitted to not anticipating being loaned out twice but emphasized his commitment to living in the present moment. Despite the challenges, he expressed contentment with his decision to join Bayern Munich and later Barcelona, emphasizing the positive experiences and opportunities both clubs provided him.
In reflecting on his journey, Cancelo remained steadfast in his integrity, maintaining that he has always been truthful and genuine in his actions and words. While he acknowledges the likelihood of City’s success in the Champions League, he harbors no regrets about his career choices and remains focused on embracing new challenges with Barcelona.