Pep Guardiola claimed the Manchester City have been treated unfairly by Premier League referees when it comes to timewasting.
15.02.2023 - 14:33 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Joao Cancelo has labelled speculation that he had a fight with Pep Guardiola as a 'complete lie.' The full-back shockingly left on deadline day of the January transfer window, despite having more minutes under his belt than any other defender for Manchester City this season.
The Portuguese joined Bayern Munich on loan for the rest of the season, and the German champions have the option to make the deal permanent in the summer for £61million.
Cancelo had fallen out of favour in the build-up to his exit, but the sudden and surprise departure led to rumours that he and Guardiola's relationship had frayed and that an argument between the pair forced the move. The 28-year-old has repeatedly denied those rumours, but has once again felt compelled to set the record straight.
READ MORE: 'I am ashamed of myself' - Guardiola apologises to Gerrard
“It’s a lie that I had a fight with Guardiola, a complete lie," he told Mundo Deportivo. "I didn’t feel important to the team in recent games. I spoke to the coach and he agreed. I, the coach and club decided I had to leave, that it was the the best option for me.
“I like new opportunities and have nothing against Manchester City. I took the step to reach the level I wanted to. I became the player I am and I’m very grateful to Pep and the club. They gave everything to me and my family and I’ll never forget it.”
Cancelo has previously moved to point out he could well return to City in the summer and play for the club again which became more of a possibility when Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic claimed the agreed fee would be 'difficult' for the Bundesliga giants to pay.
"We're playing with open cards," he told Bild am Sonntag earlier this month. "This sum is difficult for us
Pep Guardiola claimed the Manchester City have been treated unfairly by Premier League referees when it comes to timewasting.
Guardiola speaks out on Kompany's return
Manchester City have reportedly emerged as favourites to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola provided us with updates on the fitness of John Stones, Stefan Ortega and Aymeric Laporte on Friday.
Here are your Manchester City evening headlines on Wednesday, March 1.
Manchester City are back in action this midweek as they resume their FA Cup campaign.
Bristol City defender George Tanner spent four years at Manchester United before leaving the youth system in 2020 for a move to Carlisle United.
Pep Guardiola uses the 2005 Champions League final to remind his Manchester City players not to take anything for granted.
Jamie Redknapp believes that Manchester City's defensive changes could cost them the Premier League title this season.
Manchester City are playing to their strengths, Pep Guardiola insists, even if that may come across as a side that doesn't take enough risks to find Erling Haaland in recent games.
Ilkay Gundogan believes Manchester City are equipped to deal with playing a full match without substitutions, as what happened in Wednesday's draw with RB Leipzig.
Manchester City supporters are still confused by Pep Guardiola's decision not to make any substitutions in the Blues' 1-1 draw with RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Manchester City were once again left wondering about what might have been as they drew 1-1 with RB Leipzig in the Champions League round of 16 first leg.
Pep Guardiola got his Manchester City players together on the pitch at full time at RB Leipzig to tell them to keep their heads up.
Pep Guardiola has defended his lack of substitutions in Manchester City's Champions League draw at RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
Pep Guardiola insisted he didn't see Manchester City's late penalty shout at RB Leipzig, but cryptically said: "I know what happened."
Joao Cancelo has strongly refuted claims he was difficult to his teammates or any staff in the build-up to his sudden Manchester City exit in January.
Pep Guardiola has explained that he is playing Bernardo Silva at left-back because he helps Manchester City control games and be less predictable in their attacking play.
Here are your latest Manchester City evening headlines on Tuesday, February 21.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will be forced into making at least two changes to his line-up for the Champions League opener with last-16 opponents RB Leipzig.