Joao Cancelo has officially left Manchester City and joined Bayern Munich on loan for the remainder of the season
Joao Cancelo has officially joined Bayern Munich on loan for the remainder of the 2022/23 season.
The Portugal international was a mainstay in Manchester City‘s XI last campaign and a key reason why they won yet another Premier League title.
But since the conclusion of the 2022 World Cup, Cancelo has found game time incredibly hard to come by at the Etihad.
As such, his relationship with City boss Pep Guardiola reportedly deteriorated at a rapid pace.
The pair apparently clashed on numerous occasions behind-the-scenes, which is why the move to Bayern has since materialised.
Read more – Joao Cancelo: Inside story explains why Pep Guardiola wanted him to leave Man City
Naturally, the move came as a huge surprise to the masses, although previous interviews from Guardiola suggest it shouldn’t have come as such a big shock.
The Spaniard’s words after the recent 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth round were rather telling.
Read more – Joao Cancelo: Pep Guardiola’s comments after Man City vs Arsenal look interesting now
And prior to the 2021 Champions League final, the former Barcelona boss spoke to Rio Ferdinand in-depth, explaining how a winning team constantly moves on and accepts less.
In summary, no player – regardless of whether they’re one of the best on the planet in their position or not – are safe under Guardiola’s watch…
Video: Pep’s interview with Ferdinand before 2021 Champions League final
There’s a reason why Guardiola is one of the most successful managers of all time and wins wherever he goes.
So, the question remains; how will City cope without Cancelo, assuming they don’t bring in another defender on deadline day?
Well, they have plenty of options already in the squad, namely teenage sensation Rico Lewis – who’s been playing ahead of Cancelo in recent weeks.
Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake are both more than capable of playing as full-backs as well, while the experienced Kyle Walker is still an option.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Joao Cancelo of Manchester City leaves the pitch after being red carded during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Fulham FC at Etihad Stadium on November 05, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Guardiola: ‘Phil Foden can play left-back’
Could Foden be the surprise Cancelo replacement? Well, Guardiola comments from October suggest it’s not outside the realms of possibility.
“Phil can play five positions, even play as a left-back,” Guardiola said in a press conference when discussing Foden’s versatility.
“In the middle, have to pay a bit more attention. Some aspects, his unbelievable instincts. In the middle, the sides is easier. With the ball, especially without, he has to improve. It’s normal. His age and desire to learn he will do it, no doubt.”
Stranger things have happened in the crazy world of modern football…
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