Manchester City star causing ‘discomfort’ in the dressing room amongst attitude concerns | OneFootball

Arguably the secret to Manchester City’s success under Pep Guardiola has been the club’s no-nonsense approach to squad harmony – but one big-name star has reportedly been ruffling feathers in the dressing room.

Guardiola’s time in Manchester has been characterised by his approach to dealing with big personalities, from Yaya Touré’s tumultuous start to the 2016/17 season to the unceremonious dropping of Joe Hart during his first weeks in charge.

One such incident threatened to derail the now-legendary 2022/23 season, in which City eventually went on to win an unlikely treble thanks to victories against Inter Milan and Manchester United after finishing top of the Premier League.

That was the notorious falling-out between Pep Guardiola and Portugal full-back Joao Cancelo – a supremely talented player who has featured for more top sides than almost anyone not named Zlatan Ibrahimovic throughout his storied career.

Cancelo’s decision to force a move away, in the context of the sudden emergence of Rico Lewis, signalled a bitter end to his City career – and now reports are suggesting that his loan club of last season, Barcelona, are not particularly keen to welcome the star back.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Barcelona – who seem poised to hand legendary club captain Ilkay Gundogan back to City on a free transfer – are having ‘doubts’ about bringing Joao Cancelo back due to his dressing-room behaviour and performances in big matches.

The report has raised questions about Cancelo’s response when not selected to start important games, as well as his relationship with younger players – both of which would line up neatly with rumours that he did not take kindly to his usurping in the City XI by Rico Lewis.

Furthermore, Sport claim that the full-back’s performance in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain has caused particular concern in the Barcelona boardroom, reminiscent of his error in City’s 1-0 loss against Liverpool in his final season at the Etihad.

Sport claims that Cancelo has no intention of accepting the wage cut that Barcelona would require in order to sign him. The player has also been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia in recent weeks, particularly as Kyle Walker looks set to stay at City.

The Portugal international remains a part of Manchester City’s squad for now, partaking in training ground activities during the opening weeks of the new season, but has been kept away from matchday squads against Manchester United and Chelsea.

City return to Etihad Stadium match action on Saturday afternoon, as they welcome newly-promoted Ipswich Town to the home of the division’s Champions on matchday two of the new campaign.