Ian Holloway has now heaped praise on Pep Guardiola for telling Joao Cancelo to leave Manchester City.
The 60-year-old made the comment when speaking on the Pitch Side podcast.
So, what did Ian Holloway say about Pep Guardiola and Joao Cancelo? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the Bristolian was discussing how important it is for football’s best players to also possess a strong work rate and a good attitude – aside from just being superb technicians in possession.
That is when Guardiola and Cancelo entered the conversation.
Holloway said: “Pep is all about strangling you, and then dominating you, and then strangling you again. He don’t give you any air whatsoever, and it’s all about winning. Winning the ball back and being great.
“If you’re as good as he wants you to be, but you don’t put value on winning the ball back, he’ll get rid of you. Look at Cancelo last year. I’m sorry, no one has mentioned it. They kicked him out! When he was the full-back of the year. Why? Because your attitude ain’t good enough son. How brilliant is that?”
If you are not aware, Guardiola is said to have forced Cancelo away from the Etihad Stadium after being left dismayed by the Portugal international’s attitude back in December and January.
The 29-year-old had just lost his place to Rico Lewis, and according to the Guardian, Guardiola was shocked by how poorly Cancelo responded.
It consequently led to the Barreiro-born technician moving to Bayern Munich on loan in the second half of last season.
Guardiola was in no mood to forgive Cancelo over the summer either, as a second loan, this time to Barcelona, was then green lighted by the Spaniard.
Manchester City and Guardiola may not see Cancelo again
Cancelo has impressed on loan at Barcelona so far this season, and if reports are true, he may have already played his final game for Manchester City.
The Daily Star believe Barcelona have already agreed a permanent purchase option with Manchester City for just £24.3m next summer.
Therefore, if Cancelo continues to impress, Barcelona will surely trigger that option in 2024.
