An insight into the ongoing fallout at La Liga giants Barcelona on the back of the club’s exit from the Champions League has today been forthcoming.
Barca were of course sent packing from European competition this past Tuesday night.
As much came owing to a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, giving rise to a 6-4 aggregate defeat.
Post-match, a number of the Blaugrana’s stars were singled out for criticism by fans and the media alike, with Ronald Araújo’s costly red card having seen the Uruguayan heavily targeted.
It is another member of the defensive ranks in Catalunya’s capital, however, whose display against PSG could yet prove decisive when it comes to his future with the club.
The player in question? João Cancelo.
Full-back Cancelo is another to have endured an outing to forget on Tuesday, with his rash challenge on ex-Barca star Ousmane Dembélé having allowed PSG to take a decisive lead in the tie from the penalty spot.
The Portuguese also allowed Dembélé to get the better of him en route to the visitors’ equaliser, as Cancelo’s shortcomings on the defensive end were highlighted in red.
And, as per a report from Diario Sport, as much has since given rise to something of a rift in the boardroom at Barcelona.
Deco and co. are currently working with Cancelo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, in an effort to work out the terms of another loan deal with Manchester City, which would be followed by an obligation to buy in the summer of 2025.
More than one of the Blaugrana’s directors, however, are understood to have conveyed their concern over this plan to president Joan Laporta:
‘These managers consider Cancelo’s performance against PSG to have been irresponsible and, even though they recognize that he has talent, they are trying to make Laporta see that he is an anarchic footballer who does not defend and who makes bad decisions with and without the ball.’
As a result, such individuals are of the opinion that Barca, amid their long-standing financial woes, would be best served utilising the funds being dedicated to Cancelo’s signing in other areas of need.
Conor Laird | GSFN
