Carlos Carvalhal has been speaking about Joao Cancelo – after Pep Guardiola allowed the Portugal international to leave Manchester City.
The 57-year-old manager, who is currently unemployed, made the comments when speaking to SPORT.
So, what was said about Joao Cancelo and Pep Guardiola? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well – as you may know – Manchester City allowed the Portuguese defender to join Barcelona on loan for the 2023/24 campaign on transfer deadline day.
It came after Guardiola also allowed Cancelo to move to Bayern Munich on loan for the second half of the 2022/23 season – following a fallout between the pair.
The Guardian believe the 52-year-old was left upset by the 29-year-old’s reaction after being dropped for Rico Lewis, and grew tired of his attitude problems.
Since moving to Barcelona, Cancelo has been one of the most effective players throughout Europe, scoring two goals while also providing one assist across five appearances in La Liga so far.
Now, Carvalhal – who you may recall managed Swansea City in the Premier League – has revealed that he thinks Manchester City let “one of the best” go.
The Braga-born tactician said: “It is Pep Guardiola’s fault. He is one of the best right-backs in the world, a great winger, but he has done a master’s degree with Pep at City.
“He now has the ability to react, shoot, unmark, knows how to make the last pass. Xavi will also know how to take advantage of the player.”
Regardless of his talent, Joao Cancelo had to leave Manchester City
Nobody associated with Manchester City ever doubted Cancelo’s talent – but you need more than that to succeed under Guardiola.
The Spaniard often rotates his lineup – as the likes of Phil Foden know all too well – and players simply have to accept that if they are to be part of Guardiola’s squad.
One thing you cannot do under the Santpedor-born tactician is kick up a fuss and become a disturbance, or you will be sent away, as Cancelo has now discovered.
Regardless of how well the Barreiro-born defender plays at Barcelona, Guardiola made the right decision.
