Joao Cancelo has paid homage to the great influence that City boss Pep Guardiola has developed on his own and has shown how the City leader’s leadership has helped make him a ‘fuller player’.
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The Portuguese defender, who moved to City from Juventus in the summer of 2019, has been a key feature of our rise to the top of the Premier League as we look for success in three more areas.
Apparently a full-back offensive, this season Cancelo has been heavily used in a moving post in midfield where a test has been made, earning widespread praise for his vision, energy and spatial awareness.
Reflecting on the season so far and looking forward Wednesday’s latest Premier League game at home to Southampton, Cancelo was quick to praise Guardiola ‘s role in helping him take on that new, revolutionary role.
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“It has had a huge impact on my role here at Manchester City,” Cancelo said in describing the impact of working under the boss.
“I was always used to playing as a right back, but now I’ve learned how to play in midfield, with my back to the opponent’s goal.
“It’s a completely different role and I give credit to Pep Guardiola for thinking about that and for helping me develop in a different situation on the pitch, in the middle of the park, along with Rodri and Fernandinho, for example.
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“I feel like a fuller player now, technically and quickly
“I am honored to work every day under Pep Guardiola and he has really inspired me, so I feel like a better player now. “
Cancelo’s flexibility has been particularly crucial in these tougher seasons with City having played three games a week effectively throughout the campaign.
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The Portugual star says he has come a long way in playing position during his career so far.
And for his part, the 26-year-old has revealed that he is happier trying to help the team whatever he can.
“When I was a kid, I used to play as a climber on both sides. When I got to Benfica, I started playing as a full-back, ”Cancelo recalled.
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“At Valencia, I also sometimes played as a climber. So, my situation has changed over the years.
“My favorite situation is the right one, but I’ve always enjoyed being multi-faceted and doing different things on the pitch.
“I think a player with my skills can play in more than one position and that also helps the team when that’s necessary.
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“When there are injuries in other roles, I can cover for my teammates, so I think that benefits the team in the long run.
“I always try my best no matter what position I play and help the team achieve their goals.”
City host Southampton on Wednesday looking to kick back from Sunday 2-0 derby loss to Manchester United.
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Although it was hard to see we have an incredible run of 21 straight wins canceled, Cancelo says the loss has armed the squad with even more desire to kick in for the rest of the campaign with City seeking four-sided silverware.
“As everyone knows, we won 21 games in a row, which is an incredible achievement,” Cancelo said.
“We did very well during the run. Just because we lost a game doesn’t mean we stopped playing well.
“In football, the best way to kick back is to win the next game straight away.
“That’s what we’re going to try to do, we’re going to start with the goal of winning all three points against Southampton.
“We are focused and we are all motivated to kick back. ”
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