Joao Cancelo has discussed his move to Manchester City, as well as providing a public address to the club's supporters on the subject of his costly mistake at Anfield this season.
The Portugal international has arguably redefined the full-back position during his time at Manchester City so far.
Despite his natural position being on the right hand side of a defensive line, Joao Cancelo often plays on the left, with Kyle Walker usually starting at right-back.
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Trying to put Cancelo’s role into a specific category is difficult, largely due to his ability to drift into a more central position and essentially become a playmaker when Manchester City are in possession, making him almost impossible for opponents to offset.
Despite being one of the world’s best in his position, he knows that mistakes are a part of football.
In a new interview with Manchester City's official magazine, he said, “I know I will make mistakes. I’m a player who loves to take risks, and my principles are these - I work to achieve success and that’s what I try to achieve every day.”
Cancelo has developed all aspects of his game, such as his skill and passing, while also being able to pop up with a goal when he gets into those attacking positions. Of course, he can also defend!
The 28 year-old has put his development down to Pep Guardiola and the trust the Catalan boss has put in him.
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However, despite still being relatively young for a professional footballer, Joao Cancelo believes he is still learning and developing his game.
He continued, “Like I’ve said in previous interviews, I’m always looking to improve at every training session. I have a fantastic team that supports me, with great players, and when you are among the best, it’s easier to be at the top of football.”
Joao Cancelo freely admits that his relationship with Pep Guardiola has helped in his development.
“Pep was a very important person in my evolution. He is a manager who changed not only my capabilities but also my way of seeing football. He made me a much more versatile player than I was,” said Cancelo. “He made me smarter too, made me watch the game in a different way with his philosophy, that, like I already said previously, is the best.
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“As a player, yes, I’m versatile. I’m originally a right back, but I can also play the role of left-back, because in Benfica I’ve played many times as a left back and this made it easier for me to play on both sides. But I’m ready to play in any position that the manager wants to put me.”
Joao Cancelo added, “No doubt about it. Manchester City was the most important step I gave in my career.”
The former Benfica, Juventus, and Inter Milan defender first began life in Manchester in 2019, and in his first season he wondered if the Premier League was for him.
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But since Guardiola has found a way for Joao Cancelo to be able to showcase his abilities, he hasn’t looked back.
“I needed a period to adapt. But now I’m much more integrated here and I hope to stay many more years, because here is where I feel good. I can talk about this, because after my mistake against Liverpool last month - an individual mistake who gave the three points to Liverpool - the people supported me, and I felt the love from our fans, and I want to give it back to them in the future."
Since Cancelo signed for the Citizens in the summer of 2019, he has made 146 appearances and is looking forward to many more to come in the future.
Being one of Guardiola’s key players, Manchester City fans can be sure to see plenty more of the Portuguese international.
Topics: Joao Cancelo, Manchester City, Liverpool, Anfield, Premier League, Football
Danny Young