Transfer Centre

Joao Cancelo denies bust-up with Pep Guardiola

By Ben Sully | 31 January 2023

Joao Cancelo plays down reports that a breakdown in his relationship with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola led to his loan move to Bayern Munich.

Joao Cancelo has denied reports that a bust-up with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola led to his loan move to Bayern Munich.

The Portugal international started 16 of Man City's 20 Premier League games this season, but he has struggled for playing time in recent weeks.

Cancelo only started three of the club's 10 competitive matches since the World Cup break, and he was an unused substitute for Man City's last three matches.

The 28-year-old fell down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium, with Guardiola opting to utilise the likes of Rico Lewis, Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake.

Cancelo's relationship with Guardiola has allegedly deteriorated in recent weeks, and there were reports of a training ground-bust up after the player was omitted from the lineup for Friday's FA Cup win over Arsenal.

Joao Cancelo signs for Bayern Munich © Bayern Munich

As a result of the alleged fallout, Man City were prepared to accept Bayern's loan proposal, which includes an option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season.

However, during his unveiling as a Bayern player, Cancelo denied reports that his relationship with the Man City boss resulted in the move.

Cancelo said: "I've not had much game time in the past few weeks, which influenced my decision. It has nothing to do with my relationship with Pep."

The right-back joins a Bayern side who have a narrow one-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga, and he could make his debut in Wednesday's DFB-Pokal last-16 tie against Mainz 05.

In 154 appearances for the Citizens, Cancelo scored nine goals and provided 22 assists.