Joao Cancelo Reveals Pep Guardiola Differences Led to Manchester City Exit
Former Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo has spoken candidly about his departure from the club, citing differences with manager Pep Guardiola as a key factor. His exit saw him initially loaned to Bayern Munich, then Barcelona, before finally making a permanent move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
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Cancelo, who was with Manchester City from 2019 to 2024 and made 154 appearances, first left on loan in January 2023 to Bayern Munich for half a season. Following this, he spent the entire 2023-24 season on loan at Barcelona. Despite links to a permanent transfer to the Spanish giants, he ultimately joined Al-Hilal in the summer of 2024.
In a recent interview with Channel 11, Cancelo elaborated on the reasons behind his Manchester City departure, focusing on his relationship with Pep Guardiola. He clarified that it wasn’t a major conflict but rather a difference of opinions.
"We had differences, not a clash, we had different opinions. I have a very strong personality and so does he [Guardiola], but he’s the one in charge. Each of us took our own paths, but I thank God for having worked with him. I felt important in this group. He made me grow as a person and as a player."
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The Portuguese international continued to praise Guardiola’s coaching abilities, despite their differences.
"He’s a genius, a world leader in coaching. The best moments of my career were at Manchester City. I went to training and matches, enjoying myself. But I didn’t want to stay at Manchester City, and they didn’t want me to stay either. So there were several reasons for me to go to Al Hilal."
Since joining Al-Hilal, Cancelo has become a regular starter, making 31 appearances across all competitions this season.
Meanwhile, Manchester City has seen several players fill the right-back position since Cancelo’s exit. These players include:
- Manuel Akanji
- Kyle Walker
- Matheus Nunes
- Rico Lewis
- January signing Abdukodir Khusanov
"I Don’t Have Resentment": Cancelo on Guardiola Relationship
During his loan stint with Barcelona, Joao Cancelo had previously touched upon the subject of disagreements with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. Speaking to Portuguese network RTP, he emphasized a lack of animosity despite their differing viewpoints.
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"There are things we didn’t agree on, we’re not obligated to agree on everything. I had things I didn’t agree on or he didn’t agree with something I said, it was just that. But I don’t have resentment, I am very grateful. Life goes on, I am very, very happy here [at Barcelona]."
During his time at Barcelona, Cancelo made a significant contribution, scoring four goals and providing five assists in 42 games across all competitions. However, Barcelona reportedly couldn’t extend his loan or secure a permanent transfer due to financial constraints.
Currently, Jules Kounde is Barcelona’s first-choice right-back, with Hector Fort as a backup option.
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