Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola spoke about Joao Cancelo’s short career with the Citizens.
When Manchester City signed Joao Cancelo from Juventus and offered up Danilo as part of the payment, many believed Juventus was making a huge mistake. After all, Cancelo had offered plenty of good performances for the Bianconeri. On the other hand, Danilo hadn’t quite been able to win the hearts of the Citizens.
Nevertheless, the Portuguese defender fell a bit short of expectations last season. Although he collected 33 appearances for City, Cancelo never really looked like he had found his place within the squad.
This may also have to do with the fact that the 26-year-old’s natural position is at the right-back, a role normally taken by Kyle Walker. Joao can also play on the left side of the pitch, but he doesn’t provide the same level of consistency. Nevertheless, this season has been different for Cancelo and the defender’s confidence levels are going up.
At today’s pre-match conference, Pep Guardiola spoke about the player’s career with Manchester City so far. The manager praised Cancelo’s recent performances after a tough year of adaptation.
“He arrived last season, in the middle. He was confused in the beginning, he expected something that we could not offer him. But he’s a nice guy with a great heart and his physicality is incredible for his generation. The day after the game he could play again and that is so important for us.”
Moreover, Guardiola explained that the Portuguese’s ease in taking a more central role is vital for his current formation.
“Aleks [Zinchenko] can play in his position too and Benjamin and Kyle can play but it depends on the opponent. I have to know if he can do it for his qualities. This alternative he can give us as a team is so important.”
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