Pep Guardiola has given an insight into the future of Joao Cancelo at Manchester City.
Cancelo has been in the headlines recently and not for the right reasons.
In Barcelona’s 4-1 defeat to PSG in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final, the versatile full-back was responsible for making a reckless challenge on Ousmane Dembele that led to a penalty.
Kylian Mbappe stepped up and scored, as Thierry Henry admitted he did not understand why the 29-year-old was as rash as he was.
Against Real Madrid in his side’s 3-2 defeat recently as well, the Portuguese international made quite a few errors and put in an unconvincing defensive display.
Ronald de Boer claimed that he understood why Pep Guardiola “doesn’t like him.”
Guardiola shares when he’ll decide if Cancelo will stay at Man City
Largely, the former Juventus defender, who is currently on loan at Barcelona has looked like the player he was at his best in a City shirt.
Especially when Xavi has deployed him as a left-back.
Until recently, it seemed like Joao Cancelo’s stock was rising once again.
However, the question that begs answering is about the ex-Valencia technician’s future at the Etihad Stadium.
Some might assume that Joao Cancelo’s time at Manchester City is done and dusted and it is only a matter of time unless he leaves the club permanently in the summer of 2024.
Others might feel Guardiola may give him a second chance.
In his latest press conference, Pep Guardiola revealed when he will decide whether Joao Cancelo could stay at Manchester City.
“At the end of the season”, he said [via BeanymanSports].
Recent Cancelo displays are proof he should be sold
In our view, Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City side should look to offload Joao Cancelo, especially after witnessing his recent displays.
Cancelo is outstanding going forward but defensively, he can be a liability and it would be preferable if the club targeted a full-back with more balance when it came to their offensive and defensive sides of the game.
The likes of Kyle Walker, Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol might not contribute as much as the ex-Inter Milan maverick in attack but they keep City’s defence secured; which is especially key in Europe.
Joao Cancelo turns 30 in May and perhaps it is time for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City to cut ties with him for good, as it does not seem like his defensive game is ever going to significantly improve at this point.
Instead, signing a younger player with more upside to their game than Cancelo should be the club’s aim.