Joao Cancelo opens up on problems with Pep Guardiola at Man City

Joao Cancelo has said that the problems he encountered with Pep Guardiola in his early days at Manchester City were his fault.

Life was difficult at first for the £60m recruit from Juventus. Cancelo arrived in August 2019 from Turin and made just 13 starts in the Premier League. He was down Guardiola’s pecking order, but now the 27-year-old is one of the City’s bosses go to men.

In fact Cancelo has made 23 starts in 25 Premier League games and started five of the six Champions League games to date.

He was rested from the final group game against RB Leipzig with top spot in the group already assured.

And the problems in the past are behind him now after penning a two-year contract extension at the start of February.

Guardiola had previously taken the blame for the breakdown in the pair’s working relationship, but now Cancelo says it was his fault.

“There were complications with the coach, of the way the team were playing,” he said. “I had a different way of playing at Juventus, I wanted to enjoy football and enjoy playing.

“It was my responsibility more than the coach, it was my fault. I recovered with my desire to win in life and in football.

“I’m happy and credit to me because there was a lot of desire to become the player I am today.”

Cancelo also says Guardiola has added some knowhow to his game.

“Italy was very important for my career, Inter and Juve, two huge clubs,” he added. “Pep has been huge tactically. Technically I have always been good, tactically I improved a lot in Italy. It was a time of learning, I liked living in Turin and Milan.”

Cancelo has been outstanding for City this season, operating on either the right or left of defence.

His recent fine performances have come despite a distressing experience off