Despite his high-profile loan exit last season, Joao Cancelo still has a future at Manchester City.
At the end of the January transfer window, Cancelo, who had struggled to adjust to his new role at City the previous season, left on loan for Bayern Munich. Cancelo’s time at City was not over, as he and manager Pep Guardiola brushed off rumors of a falling out between them.
Without Cancelo, City used a formation without full-backs toward the season’s conclusion and won the treble. Bayern opted down the chance to sign Cancelo on a long-term basis; as a result, he has returned to the Blues for pre-season training.
When asked about Cancelo’s future before City’s first preseason match against Yokohama F Marinoa, Guardiola responded that the Portuguese international is still in his plans.
Guardiola acknowledged that nothing had been decided while simultaneously suggesting that Cancelo may still depart and reopen the possibility of his joining the City team.
He is present. In the past, Joao has been so crucial for us, according to Guardiola. He has returned and is now a member of the group. We’ll have to wait and see.
Another response from Guardiola was that he ‘cannot respond’ regarding the future of certain players because many things will happen.’
When asked if he had any worries about the upcoming season, Guardiola responded, “Not just this season. You can never be certain in football. Every day, you are frequently surprised by football itself. I know the team and the players, which is why I can do that at the same time.
“Titles are not on my mind. When the transfer window closes, we play our opening game and evaluate our options. As we enter the Community Shield and play Burnley in the opening match, we aim not to lose any ground. In the end, we shall see what transpired.