Guardiola's Olive Branch to Cancelo

Pep Guardiola has indicated that Joao Cancelo may still have a role in Manchester City's plans for the upcoming season. Cancelo, who made 154 appearances for the Premier League champions, experienced a decline in playing time during the 2022/23 season, leading to tensions between him and Guardiola. The situation culminated in Cancelo's loan move to the Bundesliga, where he sought more regular playing opportunities. Reflecting on his time at City, Cancelo expressed feelings of being undervalued, stating, "I was a very important player in the years I was there." He emphasized his commitment to the club and its fans, recalling a time when he played shortly after a personal crisis. His comments suggest a sense of fulfillment regarding his contributions to the team, despite the challenges faced in the latter part of his tenure. Guardiola acknowledged the ongoing communication between him and Cancelo, noting that they still greet each other and engage in conversation during training. He emphasized that if Cancelo remains with the team, he will be treated like any other player, although he admitted uncertainty about the player's future. As the new season approaches, the dynamics between Guardiola and Cancelo will be closely watched, with fans eager to see if the talented defender will reintegrate into the squad or continue his career elsewhere.