Joao Cancelo and Pep Guardiola’s relationship at Manchester City broke down spectacularly (Picture: Getty Images)
Joao Cancelo joining Bayern Munich on loan from Manchester City is one of the shock moves of the January transfer window, one that certainly seemed unthinkable earlier in the season.
The Portuguese full-back was a fixture in Pep Guardiola’s side in the first half of the season and, due to his rampant attacking talents, also a fixture in most fantasy football managers’ teams as well.
However, things changed dramatically for him after the World Cup, falling out of favour and he is now heading to the Bundesliga with Bayern having an option to buy him in the summer for £61.6m.
The problem has simply been his lack of game time and his reaction to it, with The Athletic reporting that Cancelo has become increasingly angry when not picked and not afraid to show it.
The 28-year-old’s mood was soured while at the World Cup with Portugal when he was left out of the starting XI for both of their knockout games, and returned to his club side somewhat dejected.
When Cancelo found himself down the pecking order at City as well, things went downhill fast and Guardiola did not want a player who was clearly angry becoming a negative influence on his squad.
Guardiola will not accept any disruptive elements in his squad (Picture: Getty Images)
Cancelo started the Premier League game at Chelsea on 5 January but was subbed off at half-time, which reportedly enraged the Portuguese.
His only other league start so far this year was in the Manchester derby which City lost dramatically, while he also started the Carabao Cup defeat to Southampton and played very poorly.
The former Juventus star was left out against Spurs and Wolves as his frustrations grew and missing out on the FA Cup clash with Arsenal on Friday finally became too much.
The Athletic’s report states that he was no longer thought to be paying attention in meetings or listening to coaches.
While Manchester City clearly have an immense squad, adding to his frustrations has been the emergence of 18-year-old Rico Lewis who has been picked ahead of him, while Nathan Ake, usually a centre-back, has also played at left-back while Cancelo has been left out.
With Bayern Munich long-term admirers of Cancelo, they jumped at the chance to bring him in and he may now have played his last game for City.
An unexpected end for a player who started 36 league games last season and lifted the Premier League title, but a very simple reason behind it.
MORE : Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo to join Bayern Munich on loan
MORE : Cristiano Ronaldo involved in bizarre altercation with Joao Cancelo during Portugal training
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From key player to loan exit in no time at all.
