Joao Cancelo opens up on his time with Manchester City and Pep Guardiola

The Portuguese full-back, Joao Cancelo has opened up about his time with his old club Manchester City, and his former gaffer Pep Guardiola. Playing over four years at Etihad, Joao Cancelo admitted that he enjoyed one of the best times in Manchester City’s history. While he left the club due to differences, the wing-back has gone on to talk about how he liked his time with the Cityzens. 

Talking to the media, Cancelo mentioned how Pep Guardiola values the inverted fullbacks. The Manchester City coach is known for several tactical innovations over the recent years, including the false nine and removal of the traditional striker role, emphasis on a ball-playing goalkeeper, etc. He also utilized the inverted full-backs at the highest level, who were the cornerstone for his success in England as these players created a midfield overload. 

Joao Cancelo applauded Pep Guardiola for helping him understand the game better. The Portuguese fullback said: 

[Inverted full-backs] was a lot of merit and work from Guardiola, it made me see football in a different way. For me he is a genius, impeccable and he changed the way I see the game today

Talking about the rumored clash between the player and the manager, Joao Cancelo mentioned that they had differences of opinions but not necessarily clashed. Also, he mentioned both bring a strong personality to the table and one had to depart. Cancelo thanked God for having worked with Pep Guardiola. He said: 

We had differences, not a clash, we had different opinions. I have a very strong personality. He does too, but he's the one in charge. We went our separate ways, but I thank God for having worked with him. He's a genius, he's a world leader in terms of training.

He also mentioned in the interview that his best moments of the career came with Manchester City where he enjoyed the roles and responsibilities.

Where is Joao Cancelo playing currently? 

After his Manchester City tenure, Cancelo is plying his trade with Al Hilal with 37 appearances under his belt. Despite playing in a non-European league, Cancelo made it to the Portuguese national team.