Date: 4th February 2022 at 4:25pm
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Man City boss Pep Guardiola hasn’t made many bad calls since taking over as Man City boss in 2016.

The Spaniard has guided the Citizens to three Premier League titles, four League Cups and the FA Cup in his time at the helm at the Etihad.

This season he looks on track to make that four top-flight crowns as City lead second-placed Liverpool by nine points.

But today Pep admitted that he previously made “mistakes” with in-form full-back Joao Cancelo.

The Portuguese international, who has become a key player in City’s side, signed a new deal earlier this week to keep him at the club until 2027.

However, the versatile 27-year-old initially struggled for game time following his move from Juventus in 2019, something Guardiola looked back on in his Friday press conference.

Cancelo has made 30 appearances in all competitions this season.

“We struggled when he arrived,” admitted Pep.

“We did not agree on many things, partly because of my mistakes, but now I’m delighted he’s fully happy and can play here for the next seasons.

“He can play in many positions, can play every day, physicality, he’s so funny and loved in the locker room.

Asked to expand on the “mistakes” he made, Guardiola added: “Players accept more than others playing minutes, he wanted to play every time and when he doesn’t he’s not happy.

“Now he understands, we know each other better, every player has to be treated differently.

“He’s an incredible person with a big heart but he’s sensitive. I needed time to understand him, now I understand him more and he’s important for us.

“He struggled with how we played, what we wanted to do and that was the reason why but always a nice guy.

“Joao is fully happy right now, he wants to play every game and that’s all.

City face Championship table toppers Fulham in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday when Guardiola will have more decisions to make over who to select in his XI.

“Every player has a world and you have to understand it. Sometimes you need time to understand each other.

“He’s (Joao’s) one of the few we have who would play morning, afternoon, night. He needed the adrenalin to play.

“He’s like (Phil) Foden, football is the most important thing in his life. We know each other, it’s important he’s playing as he behaves perfectly.”

 
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