Per rumors, Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo had a bust-up with Pep Guardiola and Manchester City subsequently loaned him to Bayern Munich. However, Cancelo, now playing for Barcelona on loan, had long before dismissed the rumor. The defender’s admissions in a recent interview also imply that he and Guardiola never got into a rift. Rather the Spanish boss seems to have been a true ‘sensei’ for the 29-year-old. Cancelo now recalls how the City gaffer made him see soccer ‘in a different way‘.

Despite the star signing he was for Man City, Joao Cancelo’s initial days in Etihad were characterized by a struggle to fit in. However, thanks to the time spent ‘doing basic things‘ with Guardiola, Cancelo has thrived since then.

Joao Cancelo is indebted to Pep Guardiola for turning things around when ‘results weren’t coming’

In his recent appearance on Pedro Pinto’s ‘1 PARA 1’ podcast, Cancelo laid bare his learnings from Pep Guardiola. “Pep made me see football in a different way. I remember one day he told me…The results weren’t going well, neither the team nor some players, we weren’t in a good moment of form and the results weren’t coming. I think we were in tenth place or ninth, and he said, ‘Let’s play with the fullback inside,'” said Joao Cancelo. “I said, ‘Hey, coach, I don’t know how to play with my back. I’ve never done it. I don’t know how to play.’ And he said, ‘I’ll teach you to play with your back.'” This tactical change was not all.

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Cancelo then stayed with Pep Guardiola after training to learn more. “Then, after training sessions, I stayed with him doing basic things, things that seemed like beginner or kids’ stuff. But, in fact, afterward, things flowed for me in the game.” Cancelo added. These lessons started showing in the Portugal man’s subsequent outings with Man City. However, the dream run was short-lived. His playing time with the Blues saw a significant drop. Eventually, he had to take a break from the Cityzens, which continues to this day.

Cancelo has no rift with Guardiola, but leaving City was for the best

Earlier, when rumors of his alleged beef with Pep Guardiola did rounds in soccer circles, Cancelo cleared the air, explaining why he was leaving Man City. The Premier League winner highlighted he felt he was less important to the team, considering the drop in playing time. Furthermore, Nathan Ake and Rico Lewis were chosen to start for the side ahead of him. Per Cancelo, he and Guardiola mutually agreed for the former to have a change of scene.

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After a year in Munich, the star fullback has taken his talents to Barcelona. There, he is a starter and a vital force. The Portuguese veteran has scored and assisted in some crucial matches for the Blaugrana. Perhaps Pep’s lessons are helping him shine in La Liga. Do you think Pep Guardiola and Joao Cancelo will reunite again? Let us know in the comments below.

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