In a candid interview with Portuguese media, Joao Cancelo didn’t hold back his criticism towards Manchester City and Pep Guardiola.
The 29-year-old full-back, who last played for City in January last year, is currently on loan at La Liga side Barcelona for the season.
Allegedly, there was a heated confrontation between Guardiola and Cancelo during a training session regarding his lack of playing time, especially after Nathan Ake and Rico Lewis were preferred over him.
Surprising many, Cancelo signed with Bundesliga club Bayern Munich on January 31, 2023, following City’s decision to trade Oleksandr Zinchenko the previous summer.
Reports suggest Cancelo’s attitude didn’t align with Guardiola’s expectations, including his frustration with limited playing time and lack of attentiveness in tactical meetings.
Cancelo has openly discussed his departure from Manchester City in search of regular playing minutes with various media outlets.
However, his most impassioned interview was with Portuguese publication A Bola, where he refuted claims of mishandling his exclusion from the team.
Reacting to allegations, Cancelo exclaimed, “Lies were told! I’ve always been a supportive teammate; ask Rico (Lewis) or (Nathan) Ake. I never felt superior or inferior to them.”
He expressed disappointment with how his departure was portrayed, highlighting his dedication to the team and supporters. Cancelo recalled being assaulted and robbed, yet still played in a match against Arsenal the next day.
Despite unexpected loan moves, Cancelo believes he made the right decision by joining Bayern Munich, emphasizing the positive experience he had with the club and players.
While acknowledging the uncertainty of his future, Cancelo remains focused on living in the moment and expresses contentment with his current situation at Barcelona.
