Manchester City will clash with Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium today (Sunday), 15:00 (UK) or 17:00 (CAT). The Cityzens have been in good form this season, they have won each of their last eight matches in the Premier League, scoring 24 times while also keeping five clean sheets in the process.
It’s a hugely impressive return leading into the hectic winter schedule, and one that Cancelo hopes we can continue moving into the new year.
“We are a very strong team and we are in good shape at the moment”, the Portuguese international said.
“It’s important that we are all giving our best level so we can achieve our goals at the end of the season which are winning as many trophies as possible. We have the Premier League, the Champions League and soon the FA Cup to fight for until the end of the season. I think Liverpool and Chelsea are both very strong sides and they are going to be contenders with us in the title race. They have a different football style than us, but both sides are really strong. I think the three teams are showing that we are the main candidates to win the Premier League trophy”.
João Cancelo has been one of the outstanding City performers this season, arguably the best full-back in the world of football currently. The Portugal manager Fernando Santos also recently described him as the best full-back in world football. However, Cancelo refuses to get carried away by such praise, he is pleased to see his hard work and professionalism paying off in his performances.
“Obviously, it’s a reason for pride if someone [Fernando Santos] says you are the best in the world. I work hard every day to become the best I can be, in the training session and at the matches”, he reflected.
“I’m a professional 24/7, I live my job to the fullest, so if someone says you are the best in your position, it’s a reason to be proud. Fernando Santos is the manager of the national team, so it’s an even bigger reason for pride. I think it’s a great compliment especially coming from him as I consider him a great manager.”
In all competitions this season, Cancelo has registered an incredible three goals and seven assists from defence in 24 appearances for City. Inspite of his wonderful run so far, he insists that the emphasis should be placed on his role in the team, rather than his attacking contributions.
He said: “People usually look a lot at the statistics: the goals and the assists. I don’t look at them. I think my last season was very good too, but obviously this season my numbers are splendid.
I understand that some people would look only at your statistics, but we also have some players playing at great level whose numbers don’t reflect their performance.
For instance, Bernardo Silva is an exceptional player, this season is having great numbers, but last season his statistics weren’t as good as now, and yet I rate him as one of the best players in the world.
I’m just focused on performing well and trying to contribute with my game to the success of the team”.
