Barcelona defender names Guardiola as the best coach in the world despite their issues

It is no secret that Joao Cancelo and Pep Guardiola do not have the best of relationships. The pair had a major falling-out at Manchester City, which led to the right-back being loaned out to Bayern Munich in January 2023.

With there being no way back for the Portuguese international at the Etihad, he joined Barcelona on loan last summer and has excelled in Catalonia.

So much so that, Barça want to sign him permanently while Cancelo himself is eager to continue with the La Liga champions.

Guardiola the best in the world, says Cancelo

During an interview with A Bola, Cancelo was asked to name who he considers the best coach in the world.

And despite his problems with Guardiola, the 29-year-old opted to go with the Manchester City manager as his pick for the best coach in the world.

It should not come as a surprise, though, considering how the former Barcelona boss played a huge role in elevating Cancelo’s game during their time together at Man City.

Meanwhile, when asked to name the toughest opponent he had ever faced, the Portuguese international chose former Barcelona superstar Neymar.

Joao Cancelo wants to stay at Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

During the chat, Cancelo also demonstrated his love for Barcelona as he named the Blaugrana his biggest dream club when asked to pick another club he would like to play for in Europe.

“Barcelona is my biggest dream,” he remarked.

Will Cancelo stay at Barcelona?

As mentioned earlier, both Barcelona and Cancelo are eager to prolong their partnership beyond this season. And, the Catalans’ president, Joan Laporta, expects no problems from Manchester City on that front.

“I think both Joaos will continue. I hope that Atletico Madrid do not cause any inconvenience in Felix staying with us and I believe Manchester City is not going to put it either,” Laporta said in an interview.

“We have an agent there who is working on the matter – Jorge Mendes, who knows we intend to continue with them.”

With the club and the player on board, it is now a matter of reaching an agreement with Manchester City over a suitable fee or perhaps another loan deal.